The Denver Broncos have protected four players on their practice squad, the team announced Wednesday.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NFL expanded the practice squad to 16 players this season, allowing teams to carry up to six veteran players. Teams are also allowed to protect up to four players per week.
Denver protected quarterback Brett Rypien, outside linebacker Derrek Tuszka, safety P.J. Locke and offensive lineman Jake Rodgers. Those players will not be eligible to leave the practice squad to sign with another team’s active roster.
The 12 other players on the practice squad can leave the Broncos at any time if offered a position on another team’s 53-man roster.
The unprotected players are offensive lineman Quinn Bailey, cornerback De’Vante Bausby, running back LeVante Bellamy, wide receiver Trinity Benson, receiver Fred Brown, running back/fullback Jeremy Cox, defensive back Alijah Holder, center Patrick Morris, left tackle Darrin Paulo, linebacker Josh Watson and defensive lineman DeShawn Williams.
