For 26-year-old defensive tackle Marvin Austin Jr., training camp could not have gone worse. After a difficult three weeks, the Broncos placed Austin on season-ending injured reserve on Thursday according to the team website.
Denver cleared the roster spot for tight end Jake Murphy, who was claimed off waivers from the Cincinnati Bengals.
Battling injuries throughout camp, Austin had slipped to fourth on the depth chart. Rewind to a year ago and Austin was one of the standouts at Broncos training camp after he surprised everyone coming back from a serious back injury that threatened his career.
Austin contributed in 15 regular season games for the Broncos, finishing with 12 tackles, and provided much-needed depth to the defensive line.
Coming into this training camp, Austin was not fully healthy and his first practice was not until Aug. 3 because of groin and conditioning issues. A likely scenario could see the Broncos reach an injury settlement with Austin, making him a free agent.
Now with Kenny Anunike out for two to three weeks following knee surgery, rookie Darius Kilgo will get more reps on a thin defensive line along with Sione Fau who was claimed off waivers recently.
The 6-foot-4, 252-pound incoming tight end Murphy was on practice squads all last season with the Dolphins and Bengals; he will add competition to the tight end position as the Broncos inch closer to the regular season.
Sammy Mugharbil, a Mile High Sports intern and student at MSU-Denver, contributed to this report
