Broncos sign former CFB standout to practice squad

The potential of the Denver Broncos’ run game flashed in Sunday’s 20-12 victory over the Tennessee Titans. The two-headed snake of J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey made some big plays down the stretch and helped seal the victory for the orange and blue, and provided a much-needed boost to an offense that was sloppy all afternoon.

While Dobbins and Harvey are seemingly cemented as the top two backs in the room, the third back seems to be a designation that will change by the week. Jaleel McLaughlin was a healthy inactive for the first time in his career on Sunday, as Tyler Badie got the nod as the No. 3 option. He did not see a carry in the game.

On Tuesday, the Broncos added another variable to the back end of the running back room in former college football standout Deuce Vaughn. The 23-year-old was signed to the practice squad.

The #Broncos are signing running back Deuce Vaughn to their practice squad, sources tell @CBSSports.

The former Kansas State All-American and 2023 sixth-round draft pick spent the last two seasons with the Cowboys. Ran for 42 yards in Dallas’ final preseason game. pic.twitter.com/EP4CcjdUvW

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) September 9, 2025

Since the Broncos will promote third-string quarterback Sam Ehlinger to the active roster for Week 2’s contest against the Indianapolis Colts, there is an opening on the practice squad, which is now filled by Vaughn. He worked out for the Broncos last week, and Sean Payton and company liked him enough to keep him around for the near future.

The 5-foot-6 running back was a sixth-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2023 NFL Draft, and has seen 40 carries — averaging 2.8 yards per attempt — with America’s Team over the past two seasons. He made a name for himself with Kansas State in college, as he ran for 2,914 yards and accounted for 34 total touchdowns over his final two seasons in Manhattan.

Those numbers are impressive for any running back, especially one who’s the smallest guy on the field.

Does this move mean that Vaughn is going to get five touches in Sunday’s game against the Colts? Probably not, but this is still a notable signing, as Vaughn has shown the ability to compete in the NFL. It would probably take some injuries for him to get a look, but nonetheless, the Broncos have brought a running back into the building who can be a solid depth piece.

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