Nate Adkins, get ready to learn Kyle Juszczyk, buddy.
After losing fullback Michael Burton (hamstring) to season-ending injured reserve, the Denver Broncos signed veteran Adam Prentice to the practice squad. Each week, NFL teams are allowed to elevate up to a pair of players from the practice squad to the game-day roster, but each player has a maximum of three elevations per season.
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So the Broncos are likely planning to elevate Prentice in Week 1, and in Week 2, and perhaps in Week 3. The plan beyond that remains to be seen, but it’s not a given that Prentice will be fully promoted to the active roster.
Denver tight end Nate Adkins is set to miss the start of the regular season after undergoing ankle surgery, but the team specifically kept him on the active roster. Players who go on short-term IR are required to sit out four games, and coach Sean Payton has hinted that Adkins could be back just a few weeks into the season.
Once he returns, Adkins will be a candidate to serve as the team’s fullback. The Broncos are “considering” making the 26-year-old tight end their fullback when he returns, according to the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson.
Adkins has already played in a hybrid tight end/fullback role in Payton’s offense, so it wouldn’t be a huge adjustment. Similar to Kyle Juszczyk’s role with the San Francisco 49ers, Adkins could become a full-time fullback with notable receiving skills. Last season, Adkins was used primarily as a blocker but did haul in 14 receptions for 115 yards and three touchdowns.
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So after the team lost Burton, the short-term answer appears to be Prentice. The long-term answer might be Adkins. We’ll find out in a few weeks.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: Nate Adkins might become team’s fullback in 2025