According to Mike Klis of 9NEWS Denver, the Denver Broncos have released veteran safety Taylor Rapp. However, this is just one step in the process to open up a 53-man roster spot, and Rapp is expected to be re-signed to the practice squad tomorrow and likely elevated to the game-day roster on Sunday.
With Pat Bryant expected to be activated on injured reserve tomorrow, the team had to open up a spot for their talented wide receiver.
With starting safety Brandon Jones no longer listed as questionable and Talanoa Hufanga listed as questionable, it’s possible we could still see Rapp elevated to Sunday’s game-day roster. However, the Broncos also waived defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike and cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine, so they have some decisions to make when they announce which two players they will lift from the practice squad tomorrow.
With Jones out and Hufanga questionable, it’s likely we’ll see Rapp start Sunday at one of the safety positions or at least see some significant playing time in the Broncos’ secondary. Devon Key saw some playing time while Hufanga and Jones were sidelined, and JL Skinner made a strong case for some additional playing time after his big hit on Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker at the goal line during the Broncos’ goal-line stand on Sunday. So, we will have to see how they distribute the playing time this Sunday vs. the Panthers.
Rapp’s roster spot was needed for second-year wide receiver Pat Bryant, who is expected to be activated from injured reserve tomorrow. Bryant will be a big help in the Broncos’ offense and will give quarterback Bo Nix another talented pass-catcher to target against the Panthers. This will also be Rapp’s third practice squad elevation this season, so if they want to use him again after Sunday, they will need to re-sign him to the 53-man roster.
Stay tuned to tomorrow’s Mile High Report as we’ll update you on Pat Bryant’s likely activation from injured reserve, and we’ll also have practice squad elevation news for you.