The Denver Broncos are finalizing their preparations for their Week 10 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs.
On Saturday, November 8, the Broncos made several roster moves, including promoting fullback Michael Burton from the practice squad to the active roster. Burton, who won a Super Bowl with the Chiefs in 2022, adds depth to the team.
This season, Burton has recorded two carries for a loss of 1 yard and has caught five passes for 40 yards.
Burton has played 15% of the Broncos’ offensive snaps in 2024, according to Pro Football Reference.
The Broncos waived Burton on November 1 to make room for reserve offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton, who was signed to the active roster. Burton was then re-signed to the practice squad shortly after.
Broncos Chose Former NFL Tackles Leader Over Pro Bowler
The Broncos also promoted linebacker Zach Cunningham from the practice squad to the active roster.
Cunningham, 29, led the NFL in tackles in 2020 while playing for the Houston Texans, who selected him in the second round (No. 57 overall) of the 2017 draft. He spent the 2023 season with the Philadelphia Eagles and played for the Tennessee Titans from 2021 to 2022.
Cunningham’s impressive tackle numbers are not just a one-time occurrence.
“Deserving Cunningham,” 9News’ Mike Klis posted on X on November 8. “He led the NFL with 164 tackles in 2020 while with Houston and also had a 142-tackle season.”
The veteran linebacker recorded 93 total tackles in 14 games split between the Texans and Titans in 2021, and had 85 tackles in 2023 with the Eagles. His only setback came in 2022, when an injury limited him to just six games, but otherwise, he’s maintained a solid track record.
However, despite Cunningham’s experience, the Broncos might not have considered him their first option if they had other choices.
Fellow practice squad player Kwon Alexander has been starting for the Broncos over the past three weeks.
“Since ILB Kwon Alexander has used up his practice squad elevations, the Broncos are instead elevating veteran ILB Zach Cunningham for the game against the Chiefs. Fullback Michael Burton is also being elevated from the practice squad for the third time,” Klis posted on X on November 8.
“Playing Alexander would have required moving him to the 53-man roster and cutting someone else, and the Broncos didn’t want to risk losing a player through waivers.”
Broncos head coach Sean Payton has expressed his preference for the current roster amid trade discussions.
While the Broncos traded Baron Browning to the Arizona Cardinals, a move Payton framed as beneficial to the player, the team stood pat at the trade deadline on November 5. With the deadline now passed, it’s clear the Broncos are more hesitant to risk losing a player without receiving compensation in return.
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