Broncos Waive Veteran Tight End Ahead of Packers Showdown

The Denver Broncos waived veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis. This move happened on Thursday. It came just ahead of their Week 15 game against the Green Bay Packers. According to The Denver Post, this is considered a procedural roster move.

The team likely plans to re-sign Lewis to their practice squad. This would keep his leadership in the building. It also provides insurance at the tight end position.

Plan to Retain Leadership Despite Paperwork Move

Lewis joined the Broncos’ practice squad in late October. He was later elevated to the active roster. The 41-year-old made history as the oldest tight end to play in an NFL game this season. He played 28 snaps just last week.

However, he had exhausted his allowed practice squad promotions. To play again, he would need a full roster spot. The Broncos created one by waiving him. The expectation is he will clear waivers and return on the practice squad.

This keeps a respected veteran voice in the locker room. Lewis has indicated he plans to retire after this season. His on-field role had been primarily as a blocker.

Roster Spot Opens Door for Injured Player’s Return

The waived player freed a valuable spot on the 53-man roster. The Broncos did not immediately fill it. This signals another player may be ready to return from injury.

Tight end Nate Adkins has been practicing this week. He has been out since Week 8 with a knee injury. The Denver Gazette reported Adkins did “some good work” in Thursday’s session. He is already on the active roster, so no further move is needed for him to play.

Adkins’ role was similar to Lewis’s, focused on blocking. In his absence, fullback Adam Prentice excelled. Head coach Sean Payton said both players will be used based on the weekly game plan.

This strategic roster adjustment shows the Broncos balancing immediate needs with veteran presence. The Denver Broncos waiving Marcedes Lewis is a calculated step as they push for a playoff position.

A quick knowledge drop for you:

Why did the Broncos waive Marcedes Lewis?

It was a procedural move. Lewis had used all his practice squad promotions. Waiving him allows the team to potentially re-sign him to the practice squad while opening a roster spot for another player.

Will Marcedes Lewis play for the Broncos again this season?

He can, but it would require a new promotion to the 53-man roster. The team intends to keep him on the practice squad as insurance and for his leadership in the locker room.

Who benefits from this open roster spot?

The move likely clears the way for tight end Nate Adkins to return from a knee injury. Adkins has been practicing and is already on the 53-man roster, so he can play immediately.

What was Marcedes Lewis’s role with the team?

He served primarily as a blocking tight end. In his last game, he played 28 offensive snaps. He also provided significant veteran leadership to a relatively young team.

Is Adam Prentice’s role affected by this?

Head coach Sean Payton stated Prentice will continue to be used. Prentice has performed very well as a blocker in Adkins’ absence and is expected to retain a role in the offense.