Broncos add a quarterback and linebacker to active roster

The Denver Broncos have been busy in the last 48 hours since wrapping up their regular season with a win over the Los Angeles Chargers, securing them the AFC’s top seed and a bye this week.

No, the players haven’t been on the field, but the team’s front office has made a series of roster moves ahead of the playoff run.

The Broncos promoted quarterback Sam Ehlinger from the practice squad to the active roster on Monday and activated inside linebacker Karene Reid from injured reserve on Tuesday. Denver has waived tackle Geron Christian and tight end Marcedes Lewis in corresponding moves.

Ehlinger had a chance to start for the Indianapolis Colts a few weeks back; instead, he stayed with the Broncos as the third stringer. He has had chances to leave Denver before, too, turning down 53-man roster spots right at the cutdown date in August. The 27-year-old has been back and forth from the practice squad to the active roster. The Broncos have liked him for some time, and Ehlinger was solid in training camp.

Obviously, he’s stuck behind Bo Nix, but also the more seasoned Jarrett Stidham, too. But they have a guy in case they get into the nightmare scenario the 49ers found themselves in a few years back, when their starter and backup QB got hurt in the NFC Championship Game.

Reid returned to practice on Dec. 17. He appeared in the Broncos’ first 10 games of the year, suffering an injury that week against Las Vegas. The undrafted rookie had played 59% of the Broncos’ special teams plays to that point.

Christian did not appear for the Broncos, while Lewis played in 24% of Denver’s offensive snaps over his five games in Orange and Blue.

The Broncos await their playoff matchup, which can be any of four teams in the AFC. Denver will return to practice on Friday ahead of their Divisional Round game.

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