Broncos move Eyioma Uwazurike to injured reserve after shoulder injury

The Denver Broncos placed defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike on injured reserve Saturday. He suffered a shoulder injury during last week's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The team has not specified the exact nature of the damage. Uwazurike is eligible to return for the December 13 game in Las Vegas.

The fourth-round pick from the 2022 draft has been a key part of the defensive rotation this season. Pro Football Focus data shows he has recorded 16 pressures and stopped seven runs. He has played more than 300 snaps as a backup. Coaches and players viewed him as a breakout candidate this preseason after John Franklin-Myers left the team. Malcolm Roach has since taken the starting role, but Uwazurike remained a reliable presence against the run.

Uwazurike's absence will change the defensive line lineup for at least the next month. The burden will shift to Sai’vion Jones, Jordan Jackson, and rookie Tyler Onyedim. Onyedim, a third-round pick from Texas A&M, has been a healthy scratch since Week 1. The Broncos also added depth at other positions. They activated receiver Pat Bryant from injured reserve. Head coach Sean Payton said Bryant practiced well enough to return after an ankle injury sustained against San Francisco. The team also promoted cornerback Sean Fresch Jr. to the active roster after he used all three practice squad elevations.

Veteran safety Taylor Rapp was re-signed to the practice squad Saturday and elevated for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. Starter Talanoa Hufanga is questionable for the game after missing the last three weeks with an ankle injury. Hufanga practiced in a limited fashion on Thursday and Friday. If Hufanga sits out, Rapp will likely play next to Devon Key. The Broncos also elevated running back Cody Schrader from the practice squad for a second straight week. This gives the team a third running back behind Jonah Coleman and J.K. Dobbins.

Uwazurike faced an additional setback this week. The league fined him $6,361 for a facemask infraction in the first quarter of the game against the Chiefs. The penalty occurred before the injury that ended his season on the field for now. The Broncos will look to maintain their defensive pressure despite the loss of a key rotational player.