The Denver Broncos have gotten out to a 7-5 record this season largely based on the strength of the defense and that defense will soon be getting another weapon for Vance Joseph to play with.
Second-year linebacker Drew Sanders, who was injured well before the season started during the team's offseason program, has been added to the 53-man roster. In a corresponding move, the team has waived offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton.
The Broncos selected Sanders in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft but his rookie season was quiet. He tore his Achilles tendon back in April and it looked as though he could miss this entire season. Instead, that injury has been fully rehabbed and Sanders is ready to retake the field, just in time to help the Broncos in their playoff push.
As for Throckmorton, if he goes unclaimed on waivers, the Broncos could bring him back onto the practice squad.
What position will Drew Sanders play?
We've activated LB Drew Sanders from the Physically Unable to Perform list and waived G Calvin Throckmorton.
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) November 26, 2024
📰 » https://t.co/p29df3Sc84 pic.twitter.com/z4jaRGzZEB
Heading into this offseason, the big question around Sanders was what position would he play, inside linebacker or outside linebacker? Sanders has the ability to play both, but the Broncos will put him where he is more effective.
Prior to his injury, it seemed like the Broncos were looking at putting him on the outside. The team has gotten great production from its edge rushers this season and with starting inside linebacker Alex Singleton out for the year with an injury of his own, the Broncos could use Sanders to help Cody Barton and Justin Strnad hold down the middle.
That said, he will likely be slowly eased back into action. Sanders could play as soon as Week 13 when the Broncos play the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football.
