Denver Broncos add intriguing former Cowboys RB to the roster

The Denver Broncos have added an intriguing former Dallas Cowboys running back to the roster in JaQuan Hardy after placing Tyreik McAllister on IR.

The Denver Broncos have continued to tinker with the roster due to some players getting injured in practice in recent days. Specifically, the Broncos made a couple of moves on Wednesday to add at the running back position after undrafted rookie free agent Tyreik McAllister was waived/injured by the team.

The Broncos also placed rookie free agent pass rusher Christopher Allen on injured reserve, ending his season but also keeping him on the roster, at least in some capacity.

Allen’s no. 45 jersey was effectively vacated by his trip to IR and will be used by new running back JaQuan Hardy, a former Dallas Cowboys running back and an intriguing addition with preseason games on the very near horizon.

JaQuan Hardy joins the Denver Broncos running back room

Hardy was a rookie last year out of Tiffin who ended up getting some regular season run with the Cowboys, interestingly enough. He finished the year with four carries including that very nice 22-yard touchdown in a blowout win over the Philadelphia Eagles, but appeared in three games overall and played over 50 special teams snaps.

At 5-foot-10, 225 pounds, Hardy is a bowling ball at the running back position but he’s got some big-time speed. He ran a 4.50 at that height and weight which is very good long speed, and he’s also got intriguing agility and quickness testing above the 90th percentile in the three-cone drill and short shuttle.

At this point, it seems the Denver Broncos have their running back room rather set with Javonte Williams, Melvin Gordon, and Mike Boone. They could be looking for a back or two to stash on the practice squad and Hardy is a fascinating candidate. I don’t think this move has anything to do with “intel” on the Dallas Cowboys coming into town, but you never know. Competitive advantages in preseason games aren’t really necessary.

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For Hardy, this is a chance to make a roster as a fourth back, should the Broncos decide to keep four. He might not have an edge over another recently acquired back, Max Borghi, at this point, but preseason games could undoubtedly change that.