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Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Denver Broncos had to make a corresponding move following the official announcement that they signed veteran running back Sincere McCormick to their practice squad, and Marques Cox was the unfortunate solution.
News of McCormick’s arrival circulated on Monday, following flashes against the Broncos during the preseason with his former team, the Las Vegas Raiders.
For Cox, the future is now uncertain.
Broncos Waive OL Marques Cox
GettyMarques Cox #69 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates a touchdown against the Ohio Bobcats.
9News’ Mike Klis was first to report on the Broncos’ plans to waive Cox, an undrafted rookie free agent, to make room for McCormick. Denver made an official announcement about all of its roster moves for the day shortly after.
The Broncos’ announcement included another addition to the roster and, once again, it was a familiar face.
“The Broncos have added a pair of offensive players to their roster ahead of Week 15,” DenverBroncos.com’s Aric DiLalla wrote in the official release on December 9. “Denver signed running back Sincere McCormick and wide receiver Kyrese Rowan to its practice squad, the team announced Tuesday.
“The team released tackle Marques Cox from the practice squad in a corresponding move.”
The Broncos had an opening on their practice squad after signing tight end Marcedes Lewis to their 53-man roster ahead of their Week 14 tilt against the Raiders.
McCormick’s addition was not expected to disrupt the Broncos’ roster any further. However, bringing back Rowan – another rookie UDFA whom they cut ahead of the Raiders game to make room for Elijah Moore – altered the math and forced their hand.
The Denver Post’s Luca Evans noted Rowan’s previous go-round with the Broncos.
“Last time he got the call in October he hopped on a flight that same night,” Evans posted on X on December 9. “Still had his pads ready and waiting from camp.”
Cox has bounced between the Broncos’ practice squad and free agency since the spring.
None of Cox, McCormick, or Rowan has played in a game this season, but all have made their cases to be on the practice squad in the preseason and/or practice, whether it was with or against the Broncos.
Broncos Lose Chance at Reunion With Garret Wallow
GettyGarret Wallow #32 of the Houston Texans takes the field before a game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Broncos’ decision to bring Rowan back while adding McCormick may have been inspired by what happened with another player they waived, linebacker Garret Wallow.
Denver waived Wallow on December 6. The San Francisco 49ers claimed him on December 8, just ahead of when he would have cleared waivers. Had he cleared waivers, there may have been some interest from the Broncos in bringing him back.
Evans noted Wallow had a “large role on special teams” after the claim.
Wallow, 26, was the No. 170 overall pick of the 2021 draft by the Houston Texans. He has also spent time with the Tennessee Titans.
The Broncos replaced Wallow in the rotation with yet another rookie UDFA, elevating Jordan Turner to the active roster ahead of facing the Raiders. Notably, Turner is out of standard elevations after last week.
The Broncos will need to sign him to their 53-man roster if they want to use him again.
That is something to monitor regarding potential roster moves as the Broncos prepare to host the Green Bay Packers in Week 15.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
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