The Denver Broncos made several roster moves before their Panthers matchup.
The Denver Broncos are going to face the Carolina Panthers with some more defensive help.
Coming back onto the roster are outside linebacker Derrek Tuszka, linebacker Josh Watson, tight end Troy Fumagalli, and safety Alijah Holder.
Tuszka was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. He played in five games this season, recording three tackles and a tackle for loss while appearing on nine defensive snaps and 87 special teams snaps.
It remains to be seen what his impact will be following his exit from injured reserve. With the emergence of Malik Reed, I do not expect him to be a huge factor on defense. His impact will be on special teams.
Watson is deemed as a COVID-19 replacement this week for quarterback Jeff Driskel.
Fumagalli and Holder were activated from the practice squad as part of their four-player elevation limit.
Prior to Fumagalli’s elevation, the Broncos had just two tight ends on the active roster—Noah Fant and Nick Vannett. The team has had a bunch of bad luck with injuries and that continued with the tight end position as rookie Albert Okwuegbunam went down with a torn ACL earlier this year, and Jake Butt continues to struggle with his own injuries.
Holder has played in 22 snaps on the defensive side of the ball. He has two tackles in four games this year. Holder has also played 89 snaps on special teams for the Broncos this season.
The Broncos’ secondary is going to be very thin for the remainder of the 2020 season. Cornerback A.J. Bouye was suspended for PED use as part of a string of other players who claimed to be misled. Callahan unfortunately just can’t stay healthy. He injured his foot again.
Also added to the roster is cornerback Nate Hairston. While the Broncos claimed Hairston from the Ravens, he cannot play against Carolina this weekend due to COVID-19 protocols.
The Broncos will face the Panthers this Sunday and they hope that their call-ups and replacements will be able to step up and help them get another win.