Broncos Shake Up Roster With Former Saints Duo Before Jets Game

The Denver Broncos’ roster is in flux, and that is due to the bicep tear that starting left guard Ben Powers suffered in Week 5 against the Philadelphia Eagles. A busy Saturday included moves on Powers and Malcolm Roach.

The Broncos are in London to take on the New York Jets in Week 6. They also have other plans for their roster when they return.

However, this shuffle brings good news and a final decision on Powers for the time being.

Broncos Call Up Former Saints UDFA Calvin Throckmorton Amid Ben Powers’ Injury

Powers is expected to miss roughly two months on injured reserve. Who his replacement will be is among the biggest storylines for the Broncos before facing the Jets.

“We’ve activated DT Malcolm Roach from IR and placed G Ben Powers on IR,” the Broncos announced in a post on X on October 11. “We’ve also elevated G Calvin Throckmorton for #DENvsNYJ.”

Throckmorton is in his second season with the Broncos, but he has not played this season.

An undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints in 2020 under current Broncos head coach Sean Payton, Throckmorton has also played for the Carolina Panthers and Tennessee Titans. He has started 27 of his 48 career games.

Broncos Still Sorting Through OL

“With starting LG Ben Powers out for a while, Throckmorton only true experienced backup guard on team,” 9News’ Mike Klis posted on X, reporting on the move before the team. “[Matt] Peart, [Alex] Palczewski, [Frank] Crum are OTs by trade and [Alex] Forsyth a true center.”

However, not only is Throckmorton expected to be a depth option, but he might not be active.

“Denver elevated guard Calvin Throckmorton from the practice squad for Sunday’s game, potentially giving the Broncos an extra set of hands up front if they decide they need it,” The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel wrote on October 11. “Denver will decide Sunday whether Throckmorton is active for the game.”

According to Gabriel, the Broncos “are hoping” Powers can return to action sometime in December.

6th Man Takes Ben Powers’ Roster Spot

With Powers on IR, the Broncos had an open roster spot heading into their tilt against the Jets. They filled it with Roach, another former Saints player. His return is expected to have a ripple effect on the Broncos’ game-day roster.

“Roach’s return will shake up Denver’s defensive line rotation, particularly against a New York Jets team that has run the ball effectively so far this season,” Gabriel wrote. “Jordan Jackson and rookie Sai’Vion Jones have split the past two games as the last active player in the rotation for Denver, so Roach may slide into that spot ahead of them.

“Third-year defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike has seen a major uptick in playing time this season and is putting together a quietly strong year.”

“Big addition for Denver’s defense,” DNVR’s Zac Stevens posted on X about Roach.

Roach and the Broncos are heading into this matchup as the favorites over a winless Jets team. They notched a head-turning win over the Eagles in Week 5. The Broncos must avoid falling into the trap against the Jets.

BREAKING NEWS: Mike Tomlin Sends Clear Message — Steelers Are Ready to Win Now!

Pittsburgh, PA — October 11, 2025 — The Pittsburgh Steelers are done talking about potential. Head coach Mike Tomlin made it crystal clear in his press conference on Tuesday: the time for moral victories is over. The Steelers are now in "win-now" mode, and with a brutal divisional stretch ahead, they plan to return to the foundation of their franchise: physical, smashmouth football.

Coming off a well-timed bye week, Tomlin acknowledged the importance of the rest period but stressed that the real work starts now. The Steelers’ upcoming games, including back-to-back divisional matchups beginning with a road game against the Cleveland Browns, could set the tone for the rest of the season. And according to Tomlin, that tone will be set on the ground.

"We’re Going to Run the Football. A Lot."

In his Tuesday address, Tomlin emphasized the significance of divisional play, describing it as “fun and exciting” — and to the Steelers, that means pounding the football. Pittsburgh has always built its success on dominating the line of scrimmage with a powerful running attack, and they plan to return to that identity in a big way. The Steelers’ physical rushing game is essential, and they now have a key player to help ignite it: second-year tight end Darnell Washington.

Darnell Washington: The Key to Reigniting the Ground Game

The Steelers’ offense has been shaky at times this season, especially in the run game. But in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh showed signs of the old Steelers when they rushed for 131 yards and averaged 4.5 yards per carry. What changed? Darnell Washington.

Washington’s imposing size and blocking ability have made a huge difference. Tomlin, known for his straightforward approach, made it clear that Washington is a crucial part of their offensive strategy. "You can’t play 4-3 teams with 250-pound tight ends," Tomlin said. "When you’re going against 300-pound linemen, you better have somebody out there that looks like that animal."

The Steelers’ Smashmouth Identity Is Back

Tomlin has always been about setting the tone with toughness, and with Washington's expanded role, the Steelers' offense will have the physical edge they need to thrive. The Steelers need to rely on running the football to win, especially considering their current 30th rank in rushing yards per game. With Washington leading the charge, the team is set to capitalize on his skills and create a powerful run game, even against tough defenses like the Cleveland Browns, who have the NFL’s top-ranked rushing defense.

Final Thoughts: Steelers Are Ready for a Dominant Run

Tomlin’s message is clear: it’s time for the Steelers to go back to what they do best — physical, relentless, and tough football. As Darnell Washington’s role expands, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his presence will impact Pittsburgh’s divisional stretch. The Steelers are ready for the grind, and if they can control the trenches and establish a strong run game, there’s no reason they can’t go 2-0 in these crucial games.

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