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Drew Sanders #41 of the Denver Broncos looks to make a tackle against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Wild Card Playoffs.
The Denver Broncos could get under-the-radar roster reinforcement for their postseason run. That will not begin until the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
It is yet another familiar face, as is the trend at this late stage of the NFL calendar.
There also remains some uncertainty regarding the decision. However, it is one the Broncos have been waiting for for quite some time. It could also pay significant dividends not just for this season, but also moving forward.
Broncos Make Roster Move With Drew Sanders
GettyDrew Sanders #41 of the Denver Broncos reacts after a takeaway against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Per 9News’ Mike Klis, the Broncos have “at long last” opened linebacker Drew Sanders’ 21-day practice window on Saturday. Sanders,
“There are two reasons to activate Sanders now from his season-long injured reserve stint: One is simply to get him back practicing for three weeks to get a head start on next season. And two, Sanders could be possible insurance depth if needed at the inside linebacker and special teams positions, should they need it for the Super Bowl or maybe even the AFC Championship Game,” Klis wrote on January 10.
“When healthy, Sanders has a unique mix of size (6-foot-5, 233 pounds), speed and athleticism that has confounded the Broncos as to the best place to play him. He has shifted from inside linebacker to outside back to inside linebacker the past three years.”
Klis was clear to note that “there is no way” Sanders plays in the Divisional Round.
More than anything, Sanders’ return is encouraging for the coming offseason and the 2026 campaign.
Drew Sanders Could Prove Key in 2026
GettyDrew Sanders #41 of the Denver Broncos looks on against the Arizona Cardinals.
Sanders, the No. 67 overall pick of the 2023 draft, has played in 21 games, 17 of which and all four of his starts came during his rookie season.
He is largely unproven at this level, but offers a tantalizing skill set.
“Unique linebacker prospect with the physical traits, athleticism and skill set to be deployed as an inside linebacker or a stand-up edge rusher. The former five-star Alabama signee transferred to Arkansas for the 2022 season and posted eye-catching production with the Razorbacks. He plays with good technique in take-ons and has plenty of pursuit range, but he’s still finding his footing with his run fits and tackle consistency,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote in 2023.
“A tough out for interior protection as a blitzing linebacker and has natural rush talent to hunt quarterbacks off the edge. Sanders’ athletic gifts, versatility and toughness could help him become a highly impactful playmaker with Pro Bowl upside.”
Moreover, the Broncos face significant questions at the top of their LB depth chart with Alex Singleton and Dre Greenlaw.
Greenlaw is signed through the 2027 season, but he is prone to injury.
Singleton has struggled in coverage. He is also in the final year of his contract and will be a free agent after the season. He has also battled injuries, but Sanders’ getting and staying healthy could at least provide the Broncos with another option.
They currently have veteran Justin Strnad and rookie undrafted free agents Jordan Turner and Karene Reid.
Whenever Sanders is available on the Broncos’ game day roster, it will be good for Denver.
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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