Broncos activate Malcolm Roach, place Ben Powers on IR
Malcolm Roach returned to practice recently, a development suggesting he could be available to the Denver Broncos for Week 6. That will indeed be the case.
The veteran defensive tackle was activated from injured reserve on Saturday, per a team announcement. Given the timing of when Roach had his 21-day practice window opened, it was expected Denver would make this move. He is now in line to make his season debut during the Broncos’ matchup with the Jets in London.
Roach is one of several former Saints who reunited with Sean Payton upon arrival in Denver. The 27-year-old logged a full campaign last year, setting new career highs in tackles (43) and sacks (2.5) along the way. Roach also recorded a personal best in terms of usage rate with a 42% snap share. A similar workload could be in store upon his return.
The Broncos’ defensive line also includes Zach Allen, D.J. Jones and John Franklin-Myers, of course. That trio has remained healthy through the early stages of the 2025 campaign and as long as that continues, each of its members will handle a large workload. Even in that case, Roach will be counted on to fill in on a part-time basis moving forward. As a pending free agent, his performance upon returning to action will be key in determining his market value.
To make room on the roster, the Broncos moved starting left guard Ben Powers to injured reserve. The 2023 free agent signing suffered a biceps injury in Week 5, and shortly after that game it became clear an IR stint would be necessary. Powers has not missed a game to date in his Denver tenure, but that will now change. A return to action in December is the team’s target in his case.
With Powers sidelined for at least the next four games (but quite probably more), depth up front will be something to monitor. The Broncos have elevated Calvin Throckmorton from the practice squad for tomorrow’s game. The former UDFA played two games last season with Denver, and he is now in position to make his season debut on Sunday.
Caleb Williams Responds to Jayden Daniels' Challenge: "It's About Performance, Not Words"
October 12, 2025 — In the high-stakes world of the NFL, young quarterbacks are often compared, scrutinized, and celebrated, but few rivalries have sparked as much intrigue as the one brewing between Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and Washington Commanders' Jayden Daniels. With both quarterbacks emerging as the future faces of their respective teams, their upcoming meeting on the field is quickly becoming one of the most anticipated matchups of the season.
Earlier this week, Daniels made headlines with strong words directed at Williams, stating, “Respect is earned, not given,” and indicating that he wasn’t willing to let anyone, including Williams, overshadow him. But Williams, not one to back down from a challenge, responded in kind — and his message is clear: "It's about performance, not words."
In an exclusive interview ahead of their Week 7 matchup, Williams addressed Daniels’ comments, saying, “Jayden wants to talk about respect? He’s going to have to earn it just like everyone else. I’m ready for the challenge, and when we meet on that field, I’ll show him exactly what that means. This isn’t about words—it’s about performance.”
A Rivalry in the Making
The rivalry between Williams and Daniels has been growing ever since both players entered the league. As two of the most highly touted quarterbacks of the 2025 draft class, the expectations surrounding their careers have been enormous. Williams, coming off a standout college career at USC, was drafted by the Bears with the hope that he could be the franchise's savior. Daniels, on the other hand, has quickly established himself as a rising star with the Commanders, showing poise, accuracy, and leadership on the field.
Williams’ response to Daniels' comments is emblematic of the competitive spirit that has defined his career thus far. Despite being only in his second season, Williams has already proven to be an electric playmaker for the Bears. His ability to move the offense with both his arm and his legs has made him a dynamic threat. However, Daniels’ comments have sparked a new level of intensity, signaling that their rivalry will not just be about their teams but about who can become the true face of the league's new generation of quarterbacks.
The Stakes Are High
For Williams, the game against the Commanders is more than just another chance to secure a win for the Bears. It’s an opportunity to assert his dominance in the growing rivalry with Daniels. Williams has proven time and time again that he’s not afraid to take on challenges, and this game will be no different.
"At the end of the day, it's about winning," Williams said. "I’m not here for the back-and-forth. When the whistle blows, it’s all about who can lead their team to victory. I’ll do my talking on the field."
For Daniels, this game is equally important. As a player who prides himself on his calm demeanor and leadership, Daniels knows that this will be a chance to show that his words are backed by actions. His early success with the Commanders has earned him respect, but a win over a high-profile player like Williams could solidify his status as one of the league’s premier young quarterbacks.
What to Expect on the Field
When these two quarterbacks face off, the game will be as much about their personal rivalry as it is about the team’s success. Both players have shown the ability to handle the pressure of leading their respective teams, and this matchup will likely come down to which quarterback can manage the game better in critical moments.
For the Bears, Williams' ability to break down defenses and make plays will be key. For the Commanders, Daniels’ poise and accuracy, especially in high-pressure situations, will be critical. Expect both teams to lean heavily on their young quarterbacks, making this a must-watch matchup for NFL fans.
Conclusion
As the battle between Jayden Daniels and Caleb Williams heats up, all eyes will be on the field when the Commanders and Bears face off. With so much on the line for both teams and their young quarterbacks, this rivalry is only just beginning. Whether it’s Daniels proving his point or Williams showing that he’s the future of the Bears, this game promises to be an exciting and defining moment in the careers of both quarterbacks.
