The 2024 season is two weeks old. However, the Denver Broncos may already have lost two starters for a prolonged length of time due to injuries.
Mike McGlinchey, the right tackle, will miss at least the next four weeks due to a knee injury. Baron Browning, an edge defender, suffered a foot injury that will sideline him for an undetermined amount of time.
The Broncos signed Andrew Farmer, a former Los Angeles Chargers linebacker, in free agency.
However, he is on the practice squad, replacing Dondrea Tillman. The Broncos summoned Tillman up to back up possible starters Jonah Elliss and Nik Bonitto against Jonathon Cooper.
“Tillman would have a chance to dress as a backup outside linebacker and special teams contributor,” 9News In his report on the roster move on September 18, Mike Klis stated that Browning will be “questionable” to play in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“Tillman, 26, stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 270 pounds. He played collegiate football at Indiana University in Pennsylvania before spending three seasons with the Birmingham Stallions of the United State Football League and the United Football League. He was signed by the Broncos on June 20 and demonstrated pass-rushing abilities early in training camp. Tillman was also impressive in the preseason, with 10 tackles and a sack in three games.
Tillman’s Stallions won their third consecutive UFL Championship Game in June, defeating the San Antonio Brahmas 25-0.
The Broncos must make a roster move in response to his call-up.
Broncos Place Mike McGlinchey is on Injured Reserve.
McGlinchey’s injury occurred in the final stages of the Broncos’ Week 2 loss to Pittsburgh Steelers. According to KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson on September 18, he will now have to miss at least four games before returning from injured reserve.
That eliminates the requirement for the Broncos to make a corresponding move to maintain the roster at 53 players.
It’s another issue for the Broncos, who are 0-2 thus far.
The Broncos have multiple choices for replacing McGlinchey. Alex Palczewski, a second-year player, replaced McGlinchey against Pittsburgh. However, the Broncos are bullish on undrafted free agent Frank Crum and have veteran Matt Peart on their roster.
Broncos call up Dondrea Tillman as injuries mount
Browning and McGlinchey’s injuries present further challenges for a Broncos team that is also attempting to bring aboard a rookie quarterback.
It’s sad that two of the losses occurred on defence, and specifically along the front four. The Broncos’ secondary was already in question, with two new starting safeties and a new CB2 opposite All-Pro Pat Surtain.
There is still plenty of time to turn things around.
The Broncos’ offence, particularly Bo Nix, should improve eventually. All they need is for the defence to be healthy enough to matter.
The Broncos will face the Buccaneers in Week 3. Trips to the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints are sandwiched between visits to the Chargers and the Las Vegas Raiders. Things won’t get any easier for the offence throughout that period.
Tillman might be one of the Broncos’ defense’s standout performers.
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