August 28th 2024.
The Denver Broncos have had their fair share of ups and downs this season, especially with the return of defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike from a year-plus suspension for violating the league's gambling policy. While he may still be a bit rusty, the team recognizes his talent and has decided to keep him on the 53-man roster.
General Manager George Paton spoke about Uwazurike's progress, saying that he's not quite back to his previous form, but he's a big, athletic player who always gives his all on the field. Despite his suspension, the team couldn't ignore his potential and decided to give him another chance.
Uwazurike made his return to practice earlier this month after the league reinstated him. He was initially suspended in July of last year and faced criminal charges in Iowa for betting on college games while playing for Iowa State. He also admitted to betting on five Broncos games during his rookie season in 2023. However, the criminal charges were dropped earlier this year, paving the way for his comeback. Uwazurike was only eligible for reinstatement consideration on July 24th at the earliest.
The fourth-round pick in the 2023 draft has played in the last two preseason games, recording two tackles in the win against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Paton also mentioned that Uwazurike has put his suspension behind him and has shown remorse for his actions. The team is glad to have him back and believes he can be a valuable asset.
Paton also talked about the team's decision to keep undrafted free agents Levelle Bailey, Frank Crum, and Blake Watson on the roster. This trend of keeping undrafted players in the team has been maintained for 20 of the last 21 seasons. Bailey stood out during the summer and even scored a pick-six in the fourth quarter of the Broncos' win against the Cardinals. Paton credited head coach Sean Payton for bringing Bailey to Denver after the draft, and the former Fresno State linebacker has continued to impress the coaching staff.
Crum had a less than perfect camp, but Paton explained that the team values his potential and unique skill set. He mentioned that it's not often that they come across players with Crum's abilities and that he still has room to grow and improve.
Paton also addressed the team's decision to keep three quarterbacks on the roster - Bo Nix, Zach Wilson, and Jarrett Stidham. He expressed his confidence in the quarterback room, saying that all three players support each other, compete, and work well together. He also mentioned that Nix has earned the opportunity to be the starting quarterback for the team, praising his maturity and efficiency on the field.
Paton also talked about Wilson's growth since joining the team. After an impressive performance against the Cardinals, throwing for 251 yards and three touchdowns, Paton has no doubt that Wilson has what it takes to be a starter in the NFL. He acknowledged that Wilson still has areas to work on, but he's a smart player with a strong arm, and the team believes he has a bright future ahead of him.
In conclusion, the Broncos have made some bold choices in their roster selection, opting for younger, hungry players who are eager to prove themselves. Paton and the coaching staff have faith in these players and are willing to support them as they continue to grow and develop. With the regular season quickly approaching, the team is ready to take on the challenges ahead and show their fans what they're capable of. Don't miss out on any Broncos news - sign up for the Broncos Insider to stay up to date with all the latest NFL analysis.
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