Broncos make series of roster moves to reach 53-man limit

[Miles]

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Broncos have trimmed their active roster to below the league-mandated 53-man limit, the team announced Saturday.


Denver’s roster currently sits at 52 players, and the team will be able to sign one more player to the active roster.


The Broncos waived or released 36 players to get their roster below the 53-player limit. Denver also acquired cornerback Duke Dawson in a trade with the Patriots.


Denver waived FB George Aston, T Quinn Bailey, WR Trinity Benson, LB Keishawn Bierria, OL Adam Bisnowaty, OL Jake Brendel, WR Fred Brown, LB Jamal Carter, CB Rashard Causey, S Su’a Cravens, WR Steven Dunbar Jr., OLB Ahmad Gooden, QB Kevin Hogan, CB Alijah Holder, RB Devontae Jackson, CB Trey Johnson, G/C Sam Jones, OL Tyler Jones, WR Brendan Langley, T John Leglue, WR Kelvin McKnight, RB Khalfani Muhammad, QB Brett Rypien, DL Deyon Sizer, CB Linden Stephens, TE Moral Stephens, RB David Williams and DE DeShawn Williams.


The Broncos waived/injured C Ryan Crozier, LB Joe Dineen, OLB Dadi Nicolas and S Dymonte Thomas.


The team released veterans G Don Barclay, TE/FB Orson Charles, OL Chaz Green and S Shamarko Thomas.


The Broncos may not be done making moves ahead of their Week 1 game against the Raiders. Denver has just two quarterbacks on the roster, and rookie quarterback Drew Lock hasn’t played since Aug. 19 when he suffered a thumb injury.


Several other injured players currently sit on the Broncos’ roster. Fullback Andy Janovich (pectoral), linebacker Todd Davis (calf), tight end Jake Butt (knee), linebacker Joe Jones (upper arm) and running back Theo Riddick (shoulder) all earned spots on the active roster. The Broncos can place any player on the initial 53-man active roster on injured reserve and can later designate two of those players to return to the active roster after eight weeks. Denver could use those slots for any players who may need a longer recovery time.


For the 15th time in 16 years, at least one undrafted rookie has made the active roster for Week 1. Both outside linebacker Malik Reed and linebacker Josh Watson made the active roster.


Beginning Sunday at 11 a.m. MT, the Broncos may sign up to 10 players to their practice squad.


To see the Broncos' initial roster, click here.