Broncos grab attention with QB move before Week 7 vs. Giants
The Denver Broncos made a few roster changes as they prepare for their Week 7 game against the New York Giants at Empower Field at Mile High. The team signed third-string quarterback Sam Ehlinger to the practice squad on Saturday, whom they released from the active roster on Friday to clear a spot for inside linebacker Dre Greenlaw, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Ehlinger serves as QB3 behind starter Bo Nix and backup Jarrett Stidham. Denver can now elevate him to the game-day roster up to three times this season. To accommodate Ehlinger, the Broncos released defensive back A.J. Woods and wide receiver Thayer Thomas, the latter departing with an injury settlement.
Greenlaw’s arrival adds another feather to Denver’s defensive cap. The veteran linebacker, who signed a three-year, $31.5 million deal in March after six seasons in San Francisco, missed the first six games due to quad injuries sustained both in spring workouts and July practice.
Activated from injured reserve on Saturday, Greenlaw participated fully in practice on Friday and is likely to contribute in a limited role against the Giants. His return could influence snap distribution at inside linebacker, where Justin Strnad has handled 75% of snaps and recorded 3.5 sacks with 25 tackles through six games.
The Broncos enter Week 7 on a three-game winning streak and are seeking their fourth straight victory to improve to 5-2. Denver’s defense has been solid in six games, ranking first in yards per play, sacks, quarterback hits, third-down efficiency, and red-zone defense, while sitting second in both scoring and total defense.
Bo Nix has benefited from the pass rush, having been sacked no more than twice per game, helping the Broncos maintain the league’s best sack differential. If Denver adds three more sacks this week, it would set an NFL record for best differential through seven games.
On the other hand, New York arrives having won two of its last three games behind rookies Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo. Dart has thrown six touchdowns since Week 4 with no interceptions and a 104.1 passer rating in a clean pocket, but struggles under pressure, completing only 48% of passes with a 48.6 rating. Skattebo has amassed 425 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns since Week 3, forcing 23 missed tackles during that span.
The Broncos’ top-ranked pass rush and defensive consistency will be a make-or-break factor in containing the Giants’ young stars and maintaining the team’s seven-game home win streak.
Taylor Decker's health could make all the difference vs. Buccaneers
While the Detroit Lions aren't too banged up on offense, especially compared to their injury woes on defense, they are missing a key member of the O-line: Taylor Decker.
The tackle has missed the Lions' last two games, replaced first by Giovanni Manu who then landed on the IR following a so-so performance against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 5. For Week 6, Dan Skipper was elevated to the active roster and did a solid enough job in pass protection against the Kansas City Chiefs.
But, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Lions have to be hoping Decker is good to go against a defensive line that features Vita Vea, Haason Reddick, and Yaya Diaby. Without Decker, the Lions could see some struggles from a less mobile Jared Goff, and from an already-stagnant "run on first down no matter what" offense from John Morton.
Decker's health could make world of a difference vs. Buccaneers
Decker, who could be good to go depending on how this week's practice goes for him, has been dealing with a shoulder injury for the last couple of weeks. He was understandably sidelined out of an abundance of caution for Week 5 and 6, but Week 7 poses a major test for Detroit's ability to both avoid back to back losses and to avoid heading into the bye with a loss.
#Lions Dan Campbell says T Taylor Decker isn’t ruled out this week. Says Decker is feeling better and they’d like
to get him worked into practice tomorrow. TB is a big game to have him back for, but would make sense if they hold him out with the bye week ensuing.— Dannie (@dannierogers___) October 16, 2025
Decker, 31, is part of the two headed monster for the Lions' offensive line that features All-Pro Penei Sewell. The duo was key to the Lions' success against the Chicago Bears, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Cleveland Browns in recent weeks. But, it just feels like the Lions have been dealt such a tough hand with the number of star edge rushers they've had to face the last few weeks.
This week, the Buccaneers feature a ton of threats on the D-line that just start with Vea. Decker's addition back to the line would be key if he's healthy, but if he's not at 100 percent, then it might be a waste of his recovery to throw him back out there. With how well Skipper played in his place, perhaps the Lions are more comfortable giving him an extra two weeks of rest.
