Broncos Announce Trio of Roster Moves Ahead of Raiders Tilt
After holding some workouts on Wednesday, the Denver Broncos have ultimately decided to fill their hole on the 53-man roster with practice squad wide receiver Michael Bandy, the team announced on Thursday ahead of its primetime tilt vs. the Las Vegas Raiders.
Additionally, the Broncos elevated tight end Marcedes Lewis and cornerback Reese Taylor from the practice squad. Bandy was a promotion, meaning he'll stay on the 53-man roster after Thursday night, whereas, Lewis and Taylor are elevations, so they'll be placed back on the practice squad on Friday.
Bandy was called into action last week to fill in for the concussed Marvin Mims Jr. as the Broncos' punt returner. It was a solid showing, until Bandy muffed a punt, which the Houston Texans recovered. It basically cost the Broncos three points.
But the team obviously has plans for Bandy. He's a savvy slot receiver, which he showcased last week in Houston with his 16-yard reception that moved the chains for the Broncos.
Bandy's Path to Denver
Joining the Broncos in 2023, Bandy has stuck around Denver as a pet project of sorts for Sean Payton. The 5-foot-10, 190-pound receiver plays with a high football IQ and great route-running. His hands are reliable, too — his muffed punt in Houston notwithstanding.
Going undrafted out of San Diego in 2020, Bandy tried his hand in the short-lived Spring League (TSL), as well as the XFL with the Houston Roughnecks. The 27-year-old wideout spent a couple of seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2021 and 2022 before joining the Broncos. He's appeared in two regular-season games as a Bronco.
Lewis & Taylor's Role
As for Lewis and Taylor, the former joined the Broncos last week to help pick up the blocking slack in the wake of Nate Adkins' injury, while the latter has been with the team since 2023. Lewis is 41 years old and is in his 20th NFL season.
In the few snaps he garnered last week after being with the team only three or four days, Lewis made his presence felt. With a little more time to soak in Payton's system and assimilate, Lewis could be in for a bigger bite at the apple vs. the Raiders.
Taylor helps the Broncos' cornerback depth as they play their second straight game with Patrick Surtain II. The secondary did a good job of covering for Surtain last week, but with Riley Moss a little dinged up (he'll start, so don't worry), the Broncos are hedging somewhat by making sure they have one additional cornerback available on gameday.
Graham Gano Vows to Overcome Injury Setback: "I’ll Fight Through This, Just Like I Always Have!"
New York Giants kicker Graham Gano is determined to push through his current injury setback, demonstrating the resilience and unwavering mindset that has defined his career. Despite a nagging injury that has kept him sidelined for a few games, Gano’s focus remains clear: to get back on the field and continue to serve his team and fans. "I’ve faced adversity before, and this injury is no different," Gano stated. "I’m not letting anything stop me from doing what I love—kicking for this team and for the fans. I’ll fight through this, just like I always have."
Gano’s statement reflects his mentality as an athlete who has weathered numerous challenges in his career. Known for his consistency and calm under pressure, Gano’s leadership and dedication to his craft have made him a key asset for the Giants. Even in the face of physical setbacks, his resolve is unshaken. He’s determined to return to form and contribute to his team’s success, something he’s done consistently for years.
As one of the most reliable kickers in the NFL, Gano’s absence has not gone unnoticed, but his commitment to overcoming the injury and returning stronger than ever speaks volumes about his character. "The injury is tough, but it’s part of the game," Gano added. "I’ve been through worse, and I’ll keep pushing to get back on the field. The fans expect a lot from me, and I expect a lot from myself."
Gano’s resolve is not just about returning to action; it’s about proving that setbacks don’t define him. His focus on recovery and improvement is evident in his approach, making sure that when he returns, he is better than before. The Giants’ special teams unit, which has heavily relied on his accuracy and calm demeanor in high-pressure situations, will be eager to see him back in action.
For now, Gano is focused on his recovery process, taking the necessary steps to get back to peak condition. With his mindset and determination, it’s clear that his best days are still ahead of him. Giants fans can rest assured that Gano will be ready to step up when needed, and that his journey through adversity will only make him stronger.
As the Giants continue their season, all eyes will be on Gano’s recovery and his eventual return to the field. With his proven track record and unmatched work ethic, there’s no doubt that Gano will be ready to once again lead the charge for his team.
