The Denver Broncos, 4-2, released quarterback Sam Ehlinger on Friday to make way for the return of linebacker Dre Greenlaw to the 53-man roster.  Greenlaw was supposed to be activated off injured reserve, and the release set the stage for Greenlaw. But now, we have a new update on Ehlinger’s situation.

“Source says #Broncos will indeed re-sign QB Sam Ehlinger to the practice squad. Move made to clear spot for Dre Greenlaw to return to 53-man roster.” This was Broncos reporter, Chris Tomasson’s post on X. 

Ehlinger signed a one-year, $1,170,000 contract deal with the Broncos in April 2025. They added him for the QB depth. And he entered the 2025 NFL season as the third- or emergency quarterback behind the starters.

A fourth-year quarterback has been on the gridiron in eight career games and started in 3 games. During his stint with the Indianapolis Colts, he had thrown 64-of-101 passes for 573 yards, 3 TDs, and 3 interceptions. Ehlinger turned down multiple offers from different NFL teams to join their 53-man roster. Why did he do this? Only to sign on the practice squad of the Broncos.

With a decent record, Ehlinger showed his loyalty to the Broncos, which is now being returned to Ehlinger by re-signing him. Now, if he joins the practice squad, he will continue to serve the role of QB3 behind primary backup Jarrett Stidham and starter Bo Nix. If that’s the plan, the Broncos are planning to continue with it, they will have to make some changes to create room for Ehlinger in the practice squad. The same way they did for Greenlaw in the roster.

Greenlaw suffered a quad/thigh region injury during a workout session in the offseason. And then he was sidelined for the Broncos’ season opener against the Tennessee Titans.

On 20th September, Greenlaw was placed on IR for the same injury that kept him out of the season opener game. This meant that he was going to miss at least four games, but he missed five. The last one was against the New York Giants. Now that he will be off to IR, which will be followed by three straight practice sessions, including a full practice today as well.

For now, he has been listed as questionable. According to Broncos’ defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, even if Greenlaw returns on Sunday against the New York Giants, he would serve as a part-time player. Looks like the Broncos are trying to ease Greenlaw back in action, and they don’t want to rush him.

Greenlaw’s health issue and boost to Bronco’s defense after his return

Greenlaw is out. And this is not a news flash for the fans. In the 2024 season, Greenlaw was with the San Francisco 49ers. But he played just two games before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The last time Greenlaw played a full season without any health issues was in 2023. He started 15 games and recorded 120 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and 1 sack. But now it looks like the injury issues will fade from his career. At least for now, as he is expected to join the Broncos’ strong defense.

The Broncos’ defensive unit is leading the league with the highest number of sacks, 30, and they posted 9 of those sacks in the last game. Also, Nik Bonitto leads the entire NFL in sacks with 8 sacks. Now, the addition of the monster Greenlaw in the middle of the defense will take the Broncos’ impressive defensive unit to a whole new level.