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Two exciting Broncos undrafted rookies see their season end before it began

By Travis Wakeman

May 23, 2022; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Christopher Allen (45) during OTA workouts at the UC Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2022; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Christopher Allen (45) during OTA workouts at the UC Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Just days before their preseason opener, the Denver Broncos have lost two members of their undrafted free-agent class for the remainder of the season. 

Both Christopher Allen and Tyreik McAllister have been placed on season-ending injured reserve and will have to hope their playing careers can continue in 2023.

It is a disappointing reality for both players, specifically for Allen who many felt was one of the best undrafted signings any team made following the 2022 NFL Draft.

Injuries have impacted Allen since his college days at Alabama and the fractured foot he suffered last year caused him to fall entirely off the draft board, though he definitely has draftable skills.

The Broncos decided that it was best for him to rest that foot for the remainder of this season and get back into the best shape that he can be in, rather than rush him onto the field. As Broncos insider Mike Klis notes, this will essentially serve as a redshirt season for him.

The Broncos do have a lot of depth at the edge rusher position and Allen could be another weapon that the team can introduce down the line.

In the case of McAllister, he likely faced long odds to make the team but with only five running backs on the roster at the time of his injury, it would not have been impossible for him to do so.

He had a good chance of making the team’s 16-man practice squad and continuing his development that way. Instead, he will go on IR and hope to be part of the team’s future plans, but losing a year will make it difficult for a player that came out of a small school (Charleston) before landing in the professional ranks.

To fill the roster spots vacated by Allen and McAllister, the Broncos added two more running backs, signing JaQuan Hardy and Stevie Scott III.

Scott rushed for over 2,500 yards and had three 10-touchdown seasons in college at Indiana, but ultimately went undrafted. He was with the Broncos in camp and briefly in preseason last summer, but was waived by the team. He played for the Michigan Panthers of the USFL this past spring.

Next. What are the biggest problems the Broncos will face in 2022?. dark

These signings add depth, but it most likely signals that the Broncos won’t use Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon much in the preseason.

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