Broncos Release Veteran QB in Preparation for Dre Greenlaw Move
The Denver Broncos are clearing the way for linebacker Dre Greenlaw to make his official debut in the Mile High for Week 7 against the New York Giants.
According to Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette, the Broncos will be releasing quarterback Sam Ehlinger from the 53-man roster to clear the way for the return of linebacker Dre Greenlaw.
Per Tomasson, Ehlinger will likely remain onboard the practice squad as a veteran quarterback option, but now drops the Broncos' active roster to 52 names in order to elevate Greenlaw on Saturday.
Greenlaw has been out of the mix for Denver's defense since his signing this offseason across the first six games of the season due to a quad injury.
However, leading up to the Broncos' contest this weekend at home against the Giants, he's seen his status upgraded to questionable after being a full participant in Friday's practice. He was previously a limited participant for Denver's first two practice sessions of the week.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton hinted towards Greenlaw's potential return vs. New York following Friday's session, while also noting that the linebacker had a good week of practice.
“We’ll see. We’ll see," Payton said of Greenlaw's status vs. the Giants. "You’ll get a chance to see when [the injury report] comes out."
Now with the injury report noting Greenlaw as questionable and Ehlinger's release and a full participant in practice after two limited showings, it seems like it'll be all systems go for the veteran linebacker after being inactive for the first third of the season.
During Greenlaw's last season with the San Francisco 49ers, he was limited to just two games as a result of his season-ending Achilles injury. His last healthy season sample size came during 2023, when he started 15 games on a strong 49ers front seven, posting 120 total tackles, five TFLs and a sack.
He would eventually go on to ink a three-year deal worth $31.5 million with Denver earlier this offseason, but would be forced to patiently wait to make his debut wearing blue and orange.
That wait seems to now be meeting its end, as the Broncos' defense will add their long-awaited standout to the front seven this weekend to bolster their already-stout unit.
Former Colts Draft Pick Pays Price as Broncos Signal Dre Greenlaw Move
The Denver Broncos appear to be on the verge of getting prized offseason addition and veteran linebacker Dre Greenlaw back on the field for the first time since the regular season began, potentially as soon as Week 7 against the New York Giants.
However, it is notably the potential corresponding action that serves as the potential tell.
Greenlaw inked a three-year, $31.5 million contract with the Broncos in free agency, and his return remains highly anticipated.
Dre Greenlaw’s Return Appears Imminent
The Broncos listed Greenlaw as questionable on their final injury report of the week, after he upgraded from back-to-back sessions to a full one in the final opportunity. He remains on injured reserve, with a decision likely coming on Saturday, if at all this week.
“Dre Greenlaw moved around very well all week in practice from what the media saw,” DNVR Broncos’ Zac Stevens posted on X on October 17.
“Wouldn’t be surprised at all if he made his Broncos debut on Sunday.”
Stevens also posted his belief that “every single sign points to Dre Greenlaw making his Broncos debut on Sunday,” despite the team still needing to make an official declaration, and he is not alone.
The Broncos cut quarterback Sam Ehlinger from the 53-man roster without a corresponding move as a precursor.
That could signal their intent to activate Greenlaw off IR.
Sam Ehlinger Expected to Sign With Broncos’ Practice Squad
Ehlinger has served as the Broncos’ third and emergency quarterback all season, signing during the spring after entering the league as a sixth-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts in 2021.
“Sam Ehlinger being released is a very strong indication that Dre Greenlaw is going to be on the 53-player roster on Saturday,” Denver Sports’ Andrew Mason posted on X. “Ehlinger is not subject to the waiver wire, so the Broncos can sign him to the practice squad Saturday, and elevate him as the emergency No. 3 QB.”
That is indeed the Broncos’ plan, both for Ehlinger and Greenlaw.
“Source says #Broncos will indeed re-sign QB Sam Ehlinger to the practice squad,” The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson posted. “Move made to clear spot for Dre Greenlaw to return to 53-man roster.”
Greenlaw’s return, which could come in a limited capacity, should elevate a Broncos defense that ranks No. 2 in scoring and overall entering Sunday.
Broncos Rule Out Jonah Elliss vs Giants
Greenlaw’s potential return is encouraging, but the Broncos did deliver some more sobering news to close out their week of preparation.
Second-year outside linebacker Jonah Elliss ruled out for the second straight week due to a shoulder injury. Elliss has not practiced since Week 5, when he was on the injury report with a rib issue.
He shed the rib injury, but the shoulder issue has lingered.
Elliss underwent surgery in the offseason to repair a fractured scapula suffered during the 2024 playoffs against the Buffalo Bills.
“In his absence, rookie Que Robinson will likely be back in Denver’s outside linebacker rotation,” The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel wrote on October 17. “The fourth-round rookie made his debut last week and played 19 defensive snaps.”
Elliss has 3 total tackles, 1.0 sacks, and 1 forced fumble on the season. The son of Broncos great, Luther Elliss, Jonah logged 5.0 sacks as a rookie.
The Broncos need whatever Greenlaw can give them, if he plays, to outweigh the loss of Elliss.
