Mile High Report
The Denver Broncos announced today that they have placed quarterback Bo Nix on the season-ending injured reserve due to the broken ankle he suffered last Sunday vs. the Buffalo Bills. They replaced his roster spot with center Luke Wattenberg, whom they activated off the injured reserve. He suffered a shoulder injury and missed 3 games and 4 weeks, but returned to practice this week and now will return to the lineup in the AFC Championship Game.
Finally, the team is elevating wide receivers Elijah Moore and Michael Bandy from the practice squad to the gameday roster.
As we know, quarterback Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle in the final plays of the Broncos’ thrilling victory over the Buffalo Bills last weekend. He had surgery on his ankle this week and, as expected, was placed on the injured reserve and will be out for the remainder of the playoffs/Super Bowl.
With a roster spot open, the Broncos activated center Luke Wattenberg from the injured reserve and on to the 53-man roster. He missed the past four weeks (3 games) with a shoulder injury but returned to practice this week and now will return to the starting lineup. Alex Forsyth filled in for Wattenberg and did well, but getting back Wattenberg for this game should help keep quarterback Jarrett Stidham clean in the pocket.
With Troy Franklin dealing with a hamstring injury and questionable for this game, veteran Elijah Moore has a chance to be active for Sunday’s game. He is a speed/deep threat and can provide the Broncos with some depth and/or insurance if Franklin is inactive. Moore signed on to the Broncos’ practice squad during the season and was elevated for the first time this season last week vs. the Bills, but was later ruled inactive. However, he has a better shot at being active this week vs. the Patriots.
As for Bandy, I do not anticipate him being active and is likely just being elevated so he can collect a postseason game check. We saw the Broncos do this last weekend with Moore and rookie tight end Caleb Lohner before ruling both inactive.
