Broncos Send 5-Word Message After Move on Former Saints Veteran

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton’s final season with the New Orleans Saints, and the first for fullback Adam Prentice. Four years later, Payton and Prentice are reunited on the Broncos, per KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson and corroborated by 9News’ Mike Klis.

The Broncos signed Prentice in free agency following their Week 2 preseason win over the Arizona Cardinals.

He brings 48 games of experience with 13 starts under his belt.

“#Broncos have signed FB Adam Prentice, source confirms,” the Denver Post’s Luca Evans said in his report on the deal on August 17. “CSU alumnus who began NFL career as a Bronco, played a few years with the Saints.”

The Broncos announced the deal a short while later, simply stating the transaction on X with, “We’ve signed FB Adam Prentice. ” 

ADAM PRENTICE FIRST DOWN 😤#Saints | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/jCKeLwyaPB

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) December 31, 2023

Prentice has carried the ball nine times in his career, gaining 26 yards for his efforts. He is primarily a blocker, though he has also caught eight passes for 37 yards.

Prentice joins a Broncos team navigating some uncertainty at the fullback position.

Adam Prentice Joins Broncos Amid Injuries to Super Bowl Champion, Versatile Backup

Prentice joins Broncos fullback and Super Bowl champion Michael Burton on the roster. Denver also has Nate Adkins, who is more of a hybrid with his ability to play tight end.

Burton is dealing with a hamstring issue, while Adkins had surgery on his ankle.

“No corresponding IR or injury-designation moves specifically with #Broncos fullbacks Michael Burton or Nate Adkins, per source. Team wanted to give someone FB reps with both Burton + Adkins dealing with injuries,” Evans said in a follow-up post.  “Will update when I know corresponding roster move.”

That move came, but not in the form of another player getting released. It was one being shut down due to injury.

“Breaking: Nick Gargiulo is being placed on IR after suffering an injury in the preseason game, per source,” DNVR Sports’ Zac Stevens reported on X on August 17, and the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson confirmed opens up a roster spot for Prentice.

“Gargiulo seemed to be headed for season-opening 53 for first time,” Klis posted.

The Broncos have until August 26 before they must trim their roster from 90 players down to 53 for the regular season, so Prentice’s stay may be an extended one.

Broncos Backfield Gets Potential Clarity

While the Broncos have added Prentice to an increasingly intriguing fullback group, their running back situation may have gained some much-needed clarity on Saturday. The Broncos trotted out five different running backs against the Cardinals in their 27-7 victory.

Former Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers starter J.K. Dobbins was not among them.

Rookie second-round pick RJ Harvey, who is listed as a co-starter with Dobbins on the Broncos’ unofficial depth chart, played and tallied 18 yards and 1 TD on three carries.

Still, very few of the Broncos’ projected starters logged reps. Aside from tight end Evan Engram, Harvey and young wideouts Pat Bryant and Troy Franklin Jr. were the only offensive players who could start to log snaps in the contest.

As it stands, it is unclear who the Broncos could send out first at fullback, where Prentice has familiarity with Payton on his side, and tailback, where Denver also has several options.