Broncos defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike is still rusty since returning from a year-plus suspension for violating the league’s gambling policy. However, the team values his talent enough to keep him on the 53-man roster.
“He’s not quite there. But he’s big, athletic and plays hard,” general manager George Paton said Tuesday after the NFL’s deadline to cut down the roster. “We thought the talent was too much (to pass up).”
Uwazurike returned to practice earlier this month after the league reinstated him. He was originally suspended last July, and an August 2023 criminal complaint filed in Iowa said he bet on college games at Iowa State, where he played in college, and on five Broncos games during his rookie season in 2022.
Earlier this year, criminal charges in Iowa were dropped, setting the stage for his return to play. Uwazurike wasn’t eligible for reinstatement consideration until July 24 at the earliest.
Uwazurike, a fourth-round pick in 2022, played in Denver’s last two preseason games this month. He had two tackles in the win over Arizona on Sunday.
Paton said Uwazurike has moved on from his suspension and shown remorse for his actions.
“He’s a good kid who made a mistake,” Paton said. “We’re glad he’s here. He’s going to help us.”
Broncos value potential of Bailey and Crum: With running back Blake Watson, offensive tackle Frank Crum and inside linebacker Levelle Bailey making the team, Denver has kept an undrafted free agent on the roster in 20 of the last 21 seasons.
Bailey had a strong summer that ended with him recording a pick-six in the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ win over the Cardinals. Paton said head coach Sean Payton played a part in Bailey signing with Denver after the draft. The former Fresno State linebacker has impressed the coaching staff ever since.
“(Bailey is) young, athletic (and) plays with his hair on fire,” Paton said.
Crum had a shaky camp, but Paton said the team values his upside. Paton said the team couldn’t pass up his skill set.
“You don’t get many (6-foot-8) guys that can bend like he does, and (have) the power,” Paton said. “He’s still raw.”
Paton on keeping three quarterbacks: It’s official. Denver kept three quarterbacks — Bo Nix, Zach Wilson and Jarrett Stidham — on the 53-man roster.
“We think highly of the quarterback room,” Paton said. “All these guys support each other, compete and work well together. We’re glad to have all three.”
Paton added that Nix earned the opportunity to be the starting quarterback, praising the rookie’s maturity and efficiency when he is in the pocket.
Paton said every rookie has ups and downs, but the Broncos are willing to support Nix through it.
“We’re confident in Bo and just look forward to his continued growth and development,” Paton said.
Wilson has grown on the team. After the former Jets QB recorded 251 passing yards and three total touchdowns against the Cardinals, Paton does not doubt that Wilson can still be a starter in the NFL.
Paton admitted that Wilson still has things to improve on, but said he’s smart and can throw the ball as well as anyone in the league.
“It’s been pretty cool just watching him with really no expectations. He can go out there and play football,” Paton said. “I do think he will be a starter in this league.”
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