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.
Browns Star Backs Shedeur Sanders With 1-Word Statement
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku said quarterback Shedeur Sanders is "exceptional."
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku needed just one word to describe polarizing backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Sanders, a fifth-round pick, is waiting his turn behind fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. Despite his lack of game action, Njoku has liked what he’s seen from Sanders so far.
“Exceptional,” Njoku told cleveland.com, before continuing. “He’s an exceptional athlete. An exceptional quarterback.”
For what it’s worth, Njoku was equally complimentary of Gabriel.
“Dillon has great potential,” Njoku said. “He’s a rookie. He makes things happen. He wants the team’s success just like I do. He didn’t even scratch his surface yet.”
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Focused on Playing Role
Sanders was promoted to the backup spot following a trade that sent veteran Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals. He’s now next in line to get his shot but remains patient, willing to play his role and support Gabriel.
“We’re going to make sure we do everything we can to make sure Dillon is ready for the game,” Sanders said ahead of Week 6. “So each and every day, even when Joe (Flacco) was the starter, everything. Prepare the right way and be ready to know that you could get out there any point in time. So, I’m overly confident within myself. I know when I first got here, I’m ready to play, but it’s up to the coaches and whatever decision they make, then I’m fine with.”
Sanders also banned negativity, following a few notable moments with the media that garnered attention for the wrong reasons.
“We’re not on no negativity from now on, man, we’re not doing that,” Sanders said. “I’m just here to be positive and I don’t speak on anything negative. So that’s the new way. That’s what we’re going forward with.”
Browns TE David Njoku Calls for Change
Njoku has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins with a knee injury. But he doesn’t expect to miss additional time. He was hit by Steelers safety Juan Thornhill — a former Browns player — during last week’s 23-9 loss.
“It was a brutal hit from a former Brown at that, you know what I mean,” Njoku said. “It is what it is. I’m rehabbing very well.”
Like many other veterans, Njoku has called for change, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. The Browns are scoring just 13.7 points per game and have failed to move the ball with any consistency.
“Obviously it’s frustrating as well and I agree (with Myles Garrett). And a change needs to happen, that’s all,” Njoku said. “We have to play better, we have to do everything better. We’re not doing it up to par right now, so a change has to happen. We have to be better.”
Njoku has been a consistent name floated in trade rumors. But he has faith that things can turn around for Cleveland.
“Heart,” said Njoku when asked what gives him hope that the Browns can rebound. “Heart of the city. Heart of ourselves. The pride to be the best that we can be.”
The Browns host the Dolphins on Sunday. Cleveland is a slight 1.5-point favorite, per ESPN BET.
