Broncos Part Ways With All-Pro Playmaker After Trade Deadline
The Denver Broncos shook up their roster ahead of their “Thursday Night Football” showdown against the Las Vegas Raiders, parting ways with veteran safety and special teams maven J.T. Gray
The Broncos were among the many teams that stood pat on making any trades, but Gray’s departure marked a noteworthy day to begin Week 9, nonetheless.
For the Broncos, it is the end of an era that lasted one game.
Broncos Waive Injured Former Saints S J.T. Gray
The Broncos signed Gray to their active roster from the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad in October ahead of their Week 7 showdown against the New York Giants
The 2021 Pro Bowler and First Team All-Pro logged 21 snaps, all on special teams,
He had been listed as a non-participant on the Broncos’ first injury report in Week 10.
“#Broncos released J.T. Gray with an injury designation, per the wire,”
Broncos special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi, who, along with head coach Sean Payton, had Gray with the New Orleans Saints, spoke highly of the veteran after he signed with the team.
“J.T. Gray, in the 30-plus years I’ve been coaching, is the best coverage player that I’ve coached. Last year, he was a Second Team All-Pro. He’s been three times, All-Pro in the last five years. Pro Bowler,”
“He brings an added dimension to the coverage aspect of it. He’s a really good, well-rounded player, but coverage is what he does best. And so, listen. We had the ability to go out and get him. And, obviously, has some familiarity with our scheme, our system, obviously, with Sean and myself. And so, it just seemed like a natural “fit.”
Gray’s injury led to his release, but it was not the only notable one for the Broncos, who held a walkthrough on Tuesday after estimating practice participation on Monday.
Broncos Deliver Good News Despite Lengthy Injury Report
GettyBrandon Jones #22 of the Denver Broncos huddles with teammates before facing the Buffalo Bills.
The Broncos listed seven players as nonparticipants on Tuesday. Of that group, four progressed to l
DBs Brandon Jones (foot),
Ditto for wide receiver and All-Pro return specialist Marvin Mims, who suffered a concussion in Week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys
Moreover, the Broncos upgraded defensive linemen D.J. Jones (knee) and John Franklin-Myers (shoulder) and outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper (thumb) to full sessions. There was no progress from tight end
The Broncos will look to earn their eighth victory of the season on Thursday against the Raiders.
The Raiders traded wide receiver
Romeo Doubs Steps Up as Packers Rally Around Tucker Kraft's Injury
When tight end Tucker Kraft went down with a season-ending injury during a critical game against the Detroit Lions, the entire Packers’ locker room felt the impact. Kraft had been a key part of Green Bay’s offense, and his loss could have left a hole in their offensive scheme. However, it was the unexpected response of wide receiver Romeo Doubs that has gotten fans buzzing.
After Kraft was carted off the field, Doubs immediately approached his teammate in the locker room, offering words of encouragement and support. “Seeing Tuck go down hit me hard — we all feel it,” Doubs said after the game. “But I told him right there: you rest up, we’ve got your back. This is our team, and every guy in this locker room is ready to step up when it matters.”
Doubs, who had been working hard on building his chemistry with the young quarterback Jordan Love, acknowledged the emotional weight of the situation but stressed the importance of unity. “We’ve been through ups and downs as a team, and we know we’ve got to rally together. We’ll miss Tuck, but we’ve got to focus on the next man up and keep pushing forward.”
Fans are praising Doubs for his leadership and his willingness to step into a role of responsibility when the team needed it most. His words resonated with teammates and helped set the tone for what would become a resilient performance in the following weeks.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur echoed Doubs’ sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the team's mentality moving forward. “Romeo showed exactly what we want to see in this locker room. He’s been stepping up as a leader, and when we lose a guy like Tuck, that leadership becomes even more critical.”
As the Packers continue their season without Kraft, Doubs will likely be asked to take on even more responsibility. His commitment to supporting his teammates has only further solidified his place as one of the team’s most respected figures.
“It’s all about the team,” Doubs added. “We’ve got to stay focused, stay together, and keep moving forward. Tuck will be with us in spirit, and we’ll do everything we can to make him proud.”
