The Denver Broncos are making a few strategic tweaks to their roster ahead of Week 15, with four moves that speak to both depth and experience as the regular season winds down. Among the most notable: veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis is back on the practice squad.
At 41 years old, Lewis is still finding ways to contribute in the NFL - no small feat for a player who broke into the league nearly two decades ago. Originally a first-round pick by the Jaguars in 2006, Lewis has carved out a career defined by durability, blocking prowess, and locker room leadership. While he hasn’t recorded any stats in his four appearances for Denver this season, his presence brings a level of veteran savvy that’s hard to quantify but certainly valued in tight December matchups.
Lewis’s journey has taken him from Jacksonville to Green Bay, where he signed a two-year, $8 million deal in 2021 after an earlier stint with the Jaguars that ended during the final year of a three-year, $12 million contract. Most recently, he spent the last two seasons with the Bears on back-to-back one-year deals before landing in Denver.
The Broncos initially signed him to the active roster but have since moved him to the practice squad - a move that gives them flexibility while keeping Lewis in the building as a potential game-day elevation or mentor to younger players.
In addition to Lewis, Denver promoted linebacker Jordan Turner from the practice squad to the active roster. Turner’s elevation suggests the Broncos are looking to shore up their linebacker depth, possibly anticipating a heavier rotation or special teams need heading into Sunday.
Also elevated for the upcoming game are wide receiver Michael Bandy and quarterback Sam Ehlinger. These standard elevations are often about matchups and insurance - Bandy adds another option in the passing game, likely offering slot depth or special teams value, while Ehlinger gives the Broncos added security at quarterback behind their starter.
None of these moves are blockbuster transactions, but they reflect the kind of roster maneuvering that can quietly shape outcomes in the final stretch of the season. With playoff hopes on the line for many teams, every roster spot - and every veteran voice - matters.