With second-year running back RJ Harvey going on the short-term injured reserve, the Denver Broncos are reportedly signing veteran safety Taylor Rapp to the 53-man roster. The team is also reportedly elevating running back Cody Schrader and rookie offensive lineman Gavin Ortega from the practice squad for Sunday’s game vs. the Kansas City Chiefs.
Rapp, who was on the Broncos’ practice squad, reached his max of three practice squad elevations and needed to be added to the 53-man roster if they wanted him to play again this season. With Harvey on the short-term injured reserve and starting safety Talanoa Hufanga ruled out, Rapp is now on the 53-man roster and expected to start during Sunday’s game vs. the Chiefs.
With Harvey being placed on the short-term injured reserve, joining reserve running back Tyler Badie, the Broncos are calling on practice squad running back Cody Schrader to be their RB3 on Sunday. The last time we saw Schrader, he carried the ball 13 times for 42 yards while having 6 receptions for 90 yards and a touchdown in the Broncos’ preseason finale. Now, the preseason star will get a chance in the regular season as the Broncos face the AFC West-leading Kansas City Chiefs.
As for Gavin Ortega, the undrafted rookie will provide added depth at guard and center on Sunday. The good news here is that the Broncos did not elevate a wide receiver for Sunday’s game. As we know, Jaylen Waddle suffered a chest/shoulder injury late in the game vs. the Cardinals and was questionable for Sunday’s game. The fact that they did not elevate another receiver is a good sign that Waddle will be active and good to go in a big game where the Broncos could take control of the AFC West.
