Broncos Announce Inactives Ahead of First Home Playoff Game in Nearly a Decade
DENVER - The Broncos are back in the postseason spotlight at home for the first time in almost 10 years, but they’ll be doing it without a few familiar names in uniform.
Ahead of Saturday’s playoff matchup, Denver released its inactives list, which featured a mix of healthy scratches and roster management decisions - a common sight when a team enters the postseason with a clean bill of health.
Among the inactives are tight end Caleb Lohner and wide receiver Elijah Moore. Both were elevated for the week, but neither will suit up.
This move appears to be more about rewarding them with an active-roster paycheck than expecting them to contribute on game day. Lohner, a rookie seventh-round pick, and Moore, a former Buffalo Bill, will watch from the sidelines as the Broncos lean on their more established depth.
Here’s the full list of inactives for Denver:
- QB Sam Ehlinger (in uniform as the emergency No. 3 quarterback)
- DE Sai’vion Jones
- TE Caleb Lohner
- WR Elijah Moore
- ILB Karene Reid
- Edge rusher Que Robinson
- CB Reese Taylor
Notably, three of the names - Jones, Lohner, and Robinson - are recent draft picks. Their absence isn’t injury-related, but rather a reflection of how the Broncos are shaping their gameday roster for maximum impact in the playoffs. With no current injuries affecting the 53-man roster, every inactive is a healthy scratch.
There’s also a bit of good news for the Broncos’ defensive front. Defensive end Jordan Jackson, who was activated in Week 18 after missing time since Week 5, is back in uniform. His presence adds depth to a defensive line that will need to be sharp against playoff-caliber competition.
Inside linebacker Karene Reid, who returned from injured reserve during the playoff bye, remains inactive. Reid hasn't played since Week 10, when he suffered a hamstring injury in the Broncos’ gritty 10-7 win over the Raiders. In his place, rookie Jordan Turner will once again be active, providing depth behind veterans Dre Greenlaw and Alex Singleton.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen some of these names on the inactive list. Players like Sai’vion Jones, Que Robinson, and Jordan Jackson have been regulars in that category throughout the season. The Broncos have leaned heavily on their veterans and top-tier starters while allowing younger players to develop behind the scenes.
Here’s a quick snapshot of some of the team’s previous inactives this season:
- Week 3: OT Frank Crum, QB Sam Ehlinger (emergency), TE Evan Engram, DE Sai’vion Jones, RB Jaleel McLaughlin, Edge Que Robinson
- Week 4: Crum, Ehlinger, DE Jordan Jackson, TE Lucas Krull, McLaughlin, Robinson
- Week 5: Crum, Ehlinger, Jones, Krull, McLaughlin, Robinson
- Week 6: Crum, RB Tyler Badie, Ehlinger, Edge Jonah Elliss, Jackson, Jones
- Week 7: Elliss, DB J.T. Gray, Jackson, Jones, McLaughlin
- Week 8: Ehlinger, Gray, Jackson, Jones, McLaughlin, Robinson
- Week 9: TE Nate Adkins, Jackson, Jones, McLaughlin, S P.J.
Locke, WR Marvin Mims Jr., CB Pat Surtain II
- Week 10: Adkins, Jackson, Jones, McLaughlin, Mims Jr., Robinson, Surtain II
- Week 11: Adkins, OT Geron Christian, Elliss, Jackson, Jones, ILB Alex Singleton, Surtain II
- Week 14: Adkins, Christian, DL D.J.
Jones, Jackson, Robinson, CB Reese Taylor
The Broncos have done a solid job managing their roster throughout the season, especially as injuries have come and gone. Now, with a healthy squad heading into a critical playoff game, the coaching staff has the luxury of making strategic choices rather than reactive ones.
And that’s a good place to be in January.