According to 9NEWS Denver’s Mike Klis, the Denver Broncos released veteran safety Taylor Rapp. However, this is just a procedural move to open up a 53-man roster spot, and Rapp is expected to be signed back to the practice squad tomorrow and likely elevated to the game-day roster on Sunday.
With Pat Bryant expected to be activated off the injured reserve tomorrow, the team needed to open up a roster spot for their talented wide receiver.
With starting safety Brandon Jones ruled OUT and Talanoa Hufanga listed as questionable, it’s possible we still see Rapp elevated to the game-day roster on Sunday. However, the Broncos also ruled out defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike and cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine, so they have some decisions to make when they announce which two players they are elevating from the practice squad tomorrow.
With Jones ruled out and Hufanga questionable, we likely see Rapp get the start on Sunday at one of the safety positions or at least see some significant playing time in the Broncos’ secondary. Devon Key has seen some playing time while Hufanga and Jones have been sidelined, and JL Skinner made a strong case for some added playing time after his big hit on Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker at the goal line during the Broncos ‘ goal-line stand last Sunday. So, we will have to see how they distribute the playing time this Sunday vs. the Panthers.
Rapp’s roster spot was needed for second-year wide receiver Pat Bryant, who is expected to be activated from the injured reserve tomorrow. Bryant will be a major boost to the Broncos’ offense and will give quarterback Bo Nix yet another talented pass-catcher to target vs. the Panthers. This will also be Rapp’s third practice squad elevation this season, so if they want to use him again after Sunday, they will need to re-sign him to the 53-man roster.
Stay tuned to Mile High Report tomorrow as we’ll update you on Pat Bryant’s likely activation from the injured reserve, and we’ll have the practice squad elevation news for you as well.
