Broncos news: The team announced it has activated offensive linemen Netane Muti and Elijah Wilkinson.
With the news of Ja’Wuan James opting out of the 2020 NFL season, there did not seem to be a lot of good news expected for the Denver Broncos today. However, there is some good news, and even pertaining to the state of the offensive line. Elijah Wilkinson has been activated from the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list, and Netane Muti has been activated from the Non-Football Injury list, the Broncos reported.
We've activated Elijah Wilkinson from the Physically Unable to Perform list and Netane Muti from the Non-Football Injury list.
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 3, 2020
📰 » https://t.co/twqqbBSviG pic.twitter.com/i9RkFNamB9
This is very welcome news, especially following Ja’Wuan James‘ announcement that he will be joining the expanding list of players who will sit out and miss the 2020 NFL season due to concerns over COVID-19. After missing most of last season and now missing the 2020 season, his future with the Denver Broncos looks very uncertain.
With James opting out of the 2020 NFL season, it is likely that Wilkinson being activated was not a coincidence. While the Broncos should definitely explore a veteran option at the right tackle position, for now, Wilkinson is likely to fill in for James, and if they do not sign anyone else, should get the starting nod in Week 1.
Starting 19/36 professional games played, Wilkinson received some reps last season when Ja’Wuan James was injured. Coming into his third NFL season on the Broncos’ active roster, this may be the season that Elijah Wilkinson becomes more experienced and puts it all together.
However, the ideal scenario would be to sign another right tackle for Wilkinson to compete against at camp.
As for Netane Muti, it is hard to tell what the Denver Broncos will do with this young man in 2020.
He is another player where health could be a concern after he suffered major injuries in each of his collegiate seasons played, dramatically impacting how many collegiate games he actually played in.
However, the former All-Conference guard has all the potential and makings to anchor down the offensive line. It is just unclear how much time he will see this season. The ideal scenario for Netane Muti would be to get small amounts of repetition, to preserve his health and help him master the offense and being in the NFL.
However, we know that with situations such as injuries, the ideal scenario is not always what happens. With the highest bench press total at the 2020 NFL Combine, we know how strong Muti can be. If he is healthy, we may see him sooner, rather than later.
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