The Denver Broncos’ special teams units this season have been up and down from a production standpoint, especially in Sunday’s win against the New York Jets, who rattled off several big returns in the kicking game.
Not only did the Jets have explosives in the return game, but Chris Banjo’s unit did a great job of limiting Marvin Mims in the return game with their coverage units. To put it plain and simple, the Broncos were outcoached and outexecuted on special teams on Sunday, and it nearly led to them losing to the winless Jets.
On Monday evening, the Broncos signed former New Orleans Saints special teams ace/captain J.T. Gray from the Baltimore Ravens practice squad, as first reported by Nick Underhill.
Gray was released during the preseason by the Saints, which was a bit of a surprise to local beat reporters who cover the team. He signed after that with the Ravens, who have unfortunately taken a nosedive to start the season after being riddled with injuries.
Rizzi gets a player he has familiarity with, who understands his calls and special teams system.
Broncos add offensive line depth
The Broncos hosted a handful of players during a workout on Monday, including a familiar face, Quinn Bailey.
Denver ultimately signed offensive lineman Karsen Barnhart to their practice squad on Tuesday morning. He spent 2024 with the Los Angeles Chargers as a member of their practice squad.
With the injury to Ben Powers two weeks ago, the Broncos interior OL depth is being tested. Veteran fill-in Matt Peart struggled against the Jets, and Denver is preparing to face a juggernaut of a defensive front with the New York Giants coming to town.
How Sean Payton approaches this game with Peart will be interesting to follow after he had three penalties, including two holding calls that negated big plays from Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin.
Denver will be back on the practice field on Wednesday.