The Denver Broncos announced their 17-player practice squad one day after forming the initial 53-man roster for the 2026 NFL season. As teams navigate through an 18-week schedule, there is a high likelihood that several of the players on this list will be needed for at least one regular-season game.
Looking at the players on this list, there are some predictable names, but some of the bigger news is the players who aren't part of this team.
Here are some of the biggest takeaways following the practice squad being made official.
Broncos' practice squad takeaways
1. Expected procedural moves
Fullback Adam Prentice and long-snapper Mitchell Fraboni were added to the practice squad, but the Broncos will elevate each of them for the first three games, in all likelihood. After that, they will have to either be released
or added to the 53-man roster permanently.
Tight end Lucas Krull and offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton fit the vested veteran status as well. In each case, these players did not have to clear waivers after being cut by the Broncos and the team does not have to guarantee their full salary for the season. Essentially, it's a smart way to maneuver around the system in order to create extra roster spots.
2. Surprise players left off
The Broncos did not sign veteran running back Jaleel McLaughlin to the practice squad despite three years of solid service with the team. It's clear the team feels it has gotten the most that it can out of him.
Tyler Badie got the edge over Jaleel McLaughlin because of special teams, Sean Payton pointed to pic.twitter.com/4OzMcl4jL0
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevens) August 31, 2026
Undrafted free agent linebacker Taurean York, who was given one of the highest signing bonuses of any of the team's undrafted players this spring, was also not re-signed. That move seemed like a sure thing when the Broncos moved on from York on Sunday.
Also surprising: neither of these players has found a new team as of this writing.
3. WR Michael Bandy sticks around
The Broncos brought three wide receivers onto the practice squad. Michael Bandy will be joined by undrafted players Kolbe Katsis and Dane Key.
In the case of Bandy, he is making a career out of being a guy who works hard and does the little things. Undrafted in 2020, Bandy continues to hang on at the practice squad level of professional football. The Broncos have had to elevate him to the active roster in two of the last three seasons for last-minute help.
He has 14 career receptions.
4. Popular player is retained
Perhaps the biggest surprise for the Broncos on Sunday was the decision to release seventh-round pick Red Murdock. The "Mr. Irrelevant" selection cleared waivers and can now receive further development on the team's practice squad.
It would be a bit of a shock if he is not used several times on the active roster this season, so Broncos Country can still look forward to seeing him hit the field and make an impact.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: 4 takeaways after Broncos set 17-player practice squad
