Signed to PS Recently by the Denver Broncos

Signed to PS Recently by the Denver Broncos explores the Denver Broncos’ recent additions to their practice squad (PS) ahead of the 2024 NFL regular season’s final stretch, a strategic move to bolster depth at key positions and prepare for potential injuries as they push for an AFC West title and deep playoff run. The Broncos, currently holding an 8-3 record, have signed three players in the past two weeks: wide receiver Devin Duvernay, defensive end Ronald Ollie, and offensive lineman Will Sherman—all of whom bring unique skills and NFL experience to the team’s developmental roster. Practice squads serve as critical reserves in the NFL, allowing teams to retain talented players who narrowly missed the 53-man roster, develop young prospects, and have ready replacements if active-roster players get injured. Signed to PS Recently by the Denver Broncos highlights how these recent signings aren’t just roster filler; they’re calculated additions that strengthen the Broncos’ depth and provide insurance for the most important part of the season.

Signed to PS Recently by the Denver Broncos starts with the first of these additions: Devin Duvernay, a 26-year-old wide receiver with four years of NFL experience, most recently with the Baltimore Ravens. Duvernay, a third-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, is best known for his speed (4.39 40-yard dash) and versatility—he’s played both slot receiver and special teams returner in his career, recording 90 receptions for 809 yards and 3 touchdowns, plus 1,500+ return yards on kickoffs and punts. He was released by the Ravens in late October after struggling with a hamstring injury earlier in the season, but the Broncos saw value in his playmaking ability and special teams experience. “Devin is a player we’ve had our eye on for a while,” said Broncos wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni. “His speed can stretch the field, and his experience as a returner gives us another option on special teams—something that’s crucial in the playoffs.” Duvernay joined the Broncos’ practice squad on November 6 and has already made an impact in practice, impressing coaches with his route-running precision and ability to catch in traffic. Signed to PS Recently by the Denver Broncos underscores how Duvernay’s addition addresses the Broncos’ need for depth at wide receiver, where injuries to Jerry Jeudy (knee irritation) have left the team thin behind starters Courtland Sutton and Calvin Ridley.

Signed to PS Recently by the Denver Broncos delves into the second key signing: Ronald Ollie, a 27-year-old defensive end with a unique journey from junior college standout to NFL practice squad player. Ollie, who gained fame for his dominant performance in the Netflix documentary “Last Chance U,” has spent time with the Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks, and XFL’s Houston Roughnecks over the past five years, recording 12 sacks and 45 tackles in professional football. He was most recently with the Roughnecks, where he led the team with 7 sacks in 2024, before the Broncos signed him to their practice squad on November 10. Ollie’s strength (he bench-presses 350 pounds) and ability to play both defensive end and tackle make him a valuable addition to the Broncos’ “Nuclear Defense” depth chart. “Ronald has a relentless motor and a knack for getting to the quarterback,” said Broncos defensive line coach Marcus Dixon. “He’s been through a lot in his career, and that resilience shows on the field—he never gives up on a play.” Ollie has already drawn praise from veteran defensive end Bradley Chubb, who noted that “Ronald brings energy to practice every day. He pushes us starters to get better, and that makes the whole defensive line stronger.” Signed to PS Recently by the Denver Broncos recognizes how Ollie’s signing adds much-needed depth to the Broncos’ defensive front, where injuries to Mike Purcell (back) have created a gap in rotational players.

Signed to PS Recently by the Denver Broncos underscores how the Denver Broncos’ recent practice squad signings align with their “win-now” mindset, as the team looks to avoid the injury-related collapses that derailed their 2023 season. Last year, the Broncos lost 12 key players to injuries by Week 12, forcing them to sign inexperienced free agents off the street—many of whom struggled to adapt to the team’s schemes. This season, general manager George Paton has prioritized building depth early, and these recent PS signings are part of that strategy. “We learned last year that you can never have enough depth,” Paton said in a recent press conference. “These players have NFL experience—they know how to prepare, they know how to play at this level, and they can step in and contribute if we need them.” The Denver Broncos’ focus on experienced practice squad players sets them apart from many other teams, which often fill PS spots with undrafted rookies. By signing Duvernay, Ollie, and Sherman—all of whom have played in regular-season games—the Broncos ensure that if a starter goes down, the replacement won’t be a complete unknown. This preparation is particularly important as the Broncos head into a tough stretch of games, including matchups against the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals—teams with physical defenses that can wear down opponents.

Signed to PS Recently by the Denver Broncos highlights how the Denver Broncos’ practice squad serves as a “developmental pipeline” for players who could eventually contribute to the active roster, both this season and in the future. Will Sherman, the third recent PS signing, is a perfect example: the 25-year-old offensive lineman was a sixth-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2021, where he played in 18 games over two seasons, before spending time with the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad in 2023. The Broncos signed him on November 8, 看中 his ability to play both guard and tackle—two positions where the Broncos have limited depth behind starters Garett Bolles, Quinn Meinerz, and Mike McGlinchey. “Will is a young player with a lot of potential,” said Broncos offensive line coach Butch Barry. “He’s already shown us that he can learn our scheme quickly, and with more reps in practice, he could become a valuable member of our active roster.” Sherman’s development is being overseen by veteran offensive linemen like Bolles, who has taken him under his wing in practice. “I remember what it was like to be on the practice squad,” Bolles said. “You have to work hard every day to prove you belong, and Will is doing that. He’s going to be a good player for this team.” The Denver Broncos’ commitment to developing practice squad players has paid off in the past—running back Javonte Williams spent three weeks on the PS as a rookie in 2021 before being elevated to the active roster and becoming a starter.

Signed to PS Recently by the Denver Broncos concludes with how the Denver Broncos’ recent practice squad signings have a ripple effect on the entire team, boosting morale and creating competition in practice that makes everyone better. Duvernay’s speed has pushed the Broncos’ cornerbacks to improve their coverage skills; Ollie’s pass-rushing ability has forced the offensive linemen to refine their blocking techniques; and Sherman’s versatility has given the coaching staff more options to experiment with in practice. This competition isn’t just beneficial for the active roster—it also motivates the practice squad players, who know that a strong performance in practice could lead to an elevation to the active roster. “Every day, I’m competing like I’m trying to make the 53-man roster,” Duvernay said. “That’s the mindset you have to have on the practice squad—you never know when your number is going to be called.” The Denver Broncos’ organization also recognizes the importance of keeping practice squad players engaged, as head coach Sean Payton often includes them in game-planning meetings and gives them reps with the second-team offense and defense in practice. This inclusion makes the players feel like part of the team, not just reserves. Signed to PS Recently by the Denver Broncos ends with a clear takeaway: in the NFL, practice squad players are more than just backups—they’re critical to a team’s success. The Broncos’ recent signings show that they understand this, and that they’re doing everything they can to build a roster that can compete for a Super Bowl this season and beyond.