Broncos add a third quarterback to their 53-player roster

DENVER — With other teams reportedly sniffing around practice-squad QB Jarrett Guaratano, the Broncos decided to prevent the rookie from getting away.

Denver promoted Guarantano to its 53-player roster on Tuesday. That gives the Broncos three quarterbacks on its primary roster for the first time this season.

Source confirms Broncos promoting QB Jarrett Guarantano from PSquad to 53. Signing 2-year contract with some guarantee. Several teams w/QB injuries inquired, including ARI where he played in preseason and PSquad this year and offered 53 spot. (1st by @BKDenverSports) #9sports

— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) December 20, 2022

Guarantano was with the Arizona Cardinals in the preseason before they waived him. He also spent 28 days on the Cardinals’ practice squad earlier this season. Denver signed him to its practice squad after losing Josh Johnson to the 49ers earlier this month.

A product of Washington State — where he transferred after playing at the University of Tennessee — Guarantano posted a 114.9 preseason passer rating this summer for Arizona. He completed 17 of 30 passes for 232 yards, 3 touchdowns and no interceptions working behind Trace McSorley, the Arizona backup who stuck with the Cardinals as their No. 3 quarterback.

With Kyler Murray out for the season and Colt McCoy in the concussion protocol, the Cardinals made a play to bring back Guarantano. But with a promotion, Guarantano opted to stay in Denver.

The Broncos had a roster spot open after placing Dakota Allen on injured reserve Monday. Allen had been struggling with a hamstring issue in recent weeks.

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