Broncos Add WR Elijah Moore to Practice Squad, Look to Bolster Depth Ahead of Playoff Push
The Broncos made a quiet but intriguing move this week, signing wide receiver Elijah Moore to their practice squad. While it may not make national headlines, this addition could carry weight as Denver gears up for a late-season playoff push.
Head coach Sean Payton pointed to familiarity as a key reason behind the move. Moore has prior experience with members of the Broncos’ coaching staff, and that connection helped open the door for his arrival in Denver.
“We had some exposure to him, some experience with some guys on our staff,” Payton said. “You’re always paying attention to that wire, and if someone comes across it that you feel like either can help now or maybe in the future. I think it was more of us looking at a talented player.”
That’s a telling quote - Payton isn’t just looking for bodies to fill out the practice squad. He’s eyeing upside, and Moore, a former second-round pick, still has the kind of talent that can catch fire in the right system.
Quarterback Bo Nix echoed that sentiment, emphasizing what Moore brings to the wide receiver room.
“It adds some depth to our room,” Nix said. “Obviously, he’s been a really good player at places that he’s been, so it adds some depth for this run we’re about to go on.”
That “run” is the operative word here. The Broncos are very much in the thick of the playoff race, and depth at wide receiver becomes critical in December. Injuries, fatigue, and defensive adjustments all come into play - and having a versatile, experienced player like Moore waiting in the wings could prove valuable.
Cornerback Pat Surtain II added a personal layer to the signing, sharing that he and Moore go way back - all the way to their youth football days in Florida.
“Me and Elijah go way back,” Surtain said. “We actually was playing against each other in Little League.”
That familiarity could help Moore settle in quickly, both on and off the field. Chemistry matters, especially late in the year when every rep counts.
Chargers Optimistic About Justin Herbert’s Status for Monday Night
Over in Los Angeles, the Chargers are preparing as if they’ll have their franchise quarterback under center on Monday night against the Eagles. Head coach Jim Harbaugh kept it short and to the point when asked about Justin Herbert’s status.
“Yeah, we’re preparing. We’re optimistic that that’s going to be the case,” Harbaugh said.
While that’s not a firm confirmation, it’s a promising sign for a Chargers team that desperately needs a spark. Herbert’s presence is a game-changer - not just for the offense, but for the team’s overall confidence. If he’s healthy enough to go, expect the Chargers to lean heavily on his arm in a high-stakes primetime matchup.
Steelers Respond to Rodgers’ Film Room Comments, Freiermuth Defends Locker Room Culture
In Pittsburgh, things got a little tense after quarterback Aaron Rodgers made headlines by criticizing the team’s pass catchers, suggesting they weren’t fully showing up in the film room. But tight end Pat Freiermuth pushed back on that narrative.
“Everyone shows up and everyone contributes in a positive manner,” Freiermuth said. “I think he was just more so talking about being on the same page with signals and stuff. We don’t have an issue with guys not showing up.”
Freiermuth’s response was measured but firm - a clear defense of the team’s preparation habits. And coming from a veteran voice in the locker room, it carries weight.
The tight end also addressed his limited snap count in Week 13 against the Bills, where he was on the field for just 17 plays. While the reduced role was clearly frustrating, Freiermuth made it clear he’s still bought in.
“Obviously it’s frustrating but at the end of the day I have complete faith in Arthur [Smith],” Freiermuth said. “Just got to be able to understand my role and hopefully it changes going forward.”
That’s the kind of mindset coaches love to hear. Frustrated?
Sure - any competitor would be. But still trusting the process and staying ready?
That’s how players earn more opportunities down the line.
As the Steelers continue to fight for postseason positioning, internal cohesion will be just as important as execution. And if voices like Freiermuth’s are any indication, the locker room is still aligned, even when the outside noise gets loud.