NFL Rumors: Broncos Looking To Beef Up Roster With Backup Quarterback And Linebacker

The Denver Broncos have opened a roster spot for the coming NFL season and critics believe that general manager John Elway will fill that up with a backup quarterback. They cut Kevin Hogan and Brett Rypien recently, hinting that they need to prioritize getting a no. 2 quarterbacks to back up starter Joe Flacco.

The timing of the move raises a lot of questions, particularly because Drew Lock will be on the injured reserve. The Associated Press reported that the 22-year-old quarterback was placed on the injured reserve after spraining his thumb two weeks ago. He will not be able to attend practice unless he is recalled to the active roster towards midseason.

"My discussion with him today is it's not a year off for him," Elway said. "He's going to be able to do everything other than being on the football field. And he'll be able to work on his own and do some different things there, too. I expect him to continue to work hard and get a good feel with everything and keep learning with the offense, understand what he's doing there and be right in the middle of everything."

Hogan was the backup to Flacco last season although he never got into a game. The Broncos have put in a lot of work on Lock who has been impressive. His 123 preseason snaps were more than Lock (106), Rypien (94) and Flacco (30).

It remains to be seen if the Broncos will take a look at the free-agent market. One player that comes to mind is Colin Kaepernick, a tested quarterback who has been showing off that he is in shape. The only question on the former San Francisco 49er is that he has been out of action since 2016.

Aside from possibly adding another quarterback, the Broncos could look to beef up their linebackers. Corey Nelson is reportedly due for a visit and Elway will have three more openings by Sunday once he puts tight end Jack Butt (knee) and running back Theo Riddick (shoulder) on injured reserve. It all depends on what position Elway feels need filling up heading into the 2019-20 NFL season.