Broncos Add Pro Bowler, Former Chargers Playmaker Ahead of Texans Game
The Denver Broncos announced that they made the highly anticipated and historic decision to add veteran Pro Bowler and recent free agent addition, tight end Marcedes Lewis, to their active roster for game day against the Houston Texans.
However, they did not stop there, adding a replacement for an injured All-Pro.
The Broncos even drew attention for what they did not do, in a non-decision that has significant implications.
Broncos Add Marcedes Lewis to Gamday Roster
GettyMarcedes Lewis #84 of the Chicago Bears takes the field against the Los Angeles Rams.
Lewis signed with the Broncos’ practice squad this week amid an injury to Nate Adkins. He will become the oldest player in Broncos history, and the oldest tight end in NFL history, to play if and when he takes the field in Week 9 against the Texans.
The 6-foot-6 veteran is a solid blocker and can still be a threat in the red zone as an ancillary option for quarterback Bo Nix.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton offered strong praise for Lewis.
“He’s someone you kind of follow his career, and I knew he’d been training. I know he’s in great shape, and he’s a tremendous blocker. I think you don’t want to get caught where, man, it’s got to be jumbo. And so, we brought him in for a workout. Brought him onto our practice squad. I’m glad he’s here. He’s a tremendous leader. I’m anxious for you guys to be around him. So, good first day,” Payton told reporters on October 31.
“He’s been in the league long enough, where the reports have just been unbelievable anywhere he’s been; Jacksonville, Green Bay, Chicago. So, it’s good to have him here.”
Lewis will be behind Evan Engram and Adam Trautman, the Broncos’ most complete tight end.
Payton noted that Lewis’ longevity is “unusual” and a testament to how work ethic in his 20th NFL season. The Broncos also have Lucas Krull, though he is also dealing with an injury, which required surgery on his foot.
Broncos Replace Marvin Mims With Former Chargers Playmaker
GettyMarvin Mims Jr. #19 of the Denver Broncos puts on his helmet during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
In addition to Lewis, the Broncos also elevated former Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver and return man Michael Bandy from their practice squad. An undrafted free agent in 2021, Bandy is in his third season with the Broncos.
He has not played in a regular-season game since the 2023 season with the Broncos.
Bandy will help the Broncos in the return game with All-Pro return man Marvin Mims out due to a concussion.
Mims is lower in the pecking order than his standing on the depth chart as the Broncos’ WR2 would suggest. But Nix and Co. will miss him in that regard, too, as a deep threat and versatile gadget player.
Bandy has caught 10 of 21 targets for 89 yards, starting two of his 12 career games.
Broncos’ Non-Decision Could ‘Pay Off’ in Big Way
GettyPat Surtain II #2 of the Denver Broncos reacts after a win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
With Lewis and Bandy joining the active roster, the Broncos’ decision not to place Adkins or Pat Surtain II on IR has the most significant implications, particularly with the latter.
“Now official what’s been percolating this week: No IR placement for CB Pat Surtain II (pec) or TE Nate Adkins (knee),” The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel posted on X on November 1. “Will have to carry the two roster spots but will pay off in the #Broncos’ mind if each is back by Nov. 30 at Washington or sooner.”
According to 9News’ Mike Klis, the Broncos’ bye in Week 12 was a “factor.”
The Broncos will look to replace Surtain internally, with 2023 fifth-round pick Kris Abrams-Draine or rookie 20th-overall pick Jahdae Barron against the Texans as the trade deadline approaches.
Unfortunate reality might be setting in for Harrison Brunicke
The Pittsburgh Penguins dropped their Saturday matinee to the Winnipeg Jets 5-2 in which they started slow and could never recover in time. But there was more than just a slow start and a defeat to one of the Western Conference's best teams, that was a tough pill to swallow.
The Penguins will have to make a tough decision soon on if they should send 19-year-old defenseman Harrison Brunicke back to his junior team or keep him in the NHL. But after Saturday's game, it feels like that decision might have been made already.
In the contest, Brunicke just generally looked lost in his own zone and was the direct cause of the Jets second goal of the game which came early in the first period. Brunicke was doing his best to block a cross-crease pass and did not get his stick down in time. So, Jets forward Brad Lambert had a backdoor tap-in to make it 2-0 Jets early in the first.
Defenseman like Brunicke are going to want to do everything they can to get their sticks down and in position to block the cross-crease pass. Brunicke did not and the result showed. He also did not have inside positioning on Lambert so Lambert was able to box him out and score the goal.
It definitely seems like with the way head coach Dan Muse has been scratching Brunicke and playing him every now and then, that sending him back to his junior team is becoming inevitable. That kind of load management does not bode well for his chances of staying with the Penguins.
It might be ideal for him to get one more year in juniors and then be fully ready next season. That is for Muse and general manager Kyle Dubas to decide, but the answer seems like it might be in the cards for Brunicke.
