The Denver Broncos made a move with a player on their 53-man roster on Friday that has set the stage for the team to finally have one of their big free-agent signings in the lineup.
The Broncos released third-string quarterback Sam Ehlinger, opening a spot on the roster for linebacker Dre Greenlaw to make his 2025 debut. Greenlaw has been working hard towards getting onto the field and all signs point to him being able to do so on Sunday.
He was listed as questionable on the team's final injury report ahead of its Week 7 game against the New York Giants. Jonah Elliss is the only player who is definitely out for the game.
Greenlaw was considered by many to be the team's biggest addition during the offseason. But he was still less than 100 percent after tearing his Achilles in Super Bowl LVIII as a member of the San Francisco 49ers. That injury held him out of the lineup for all but two games in 2024. The Broncos decided to take a shot on him, signing him to a three-year, $35 million deal in March.
But early on in training camp, he injured his quad. It was thought to be a minor injury at first and the Broncos chose not to place him on the PUP list or injured reserve before the start of the season, hoping he could play within the first four games. But when it became clear that wouldn't happen, he was placed on IR ahead of the team's Week 3 game, meaning he would be forced to miss the next four games.
That is right where we're at, and it appears Greenlaw is now ready to join one of the league's best defensive units, a scintillating possibility for much of Broncos Country. Greenlaw would slide in at inside linebacker. If this Broncos defense has a weakness, that's where it is. Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad have held their own, but Greenlaw is a huge upgrade.
The Broncos can also reward Ehlinger, so long as he's not claimed by another team on waivers. The intent is reportedly to bring him back to the practice squad, which opens this possibility.
If #Broncos re-sign QB Sam Ehlinger to practice squad, he could end up getting three elevations and in those weeks he would make the same salary as if he were on the 53-man roster.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) October 17, 2025
That is something the team is likely keen on doing, considering Ehlinger's decision to stay in Denver despite better offers before the season started.
READ: Broncos steal special teams ace of Ravens' practice squad
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