ENGLEWOOD, Colorado – Denver Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw, one of the team’s most important acquisitions in the offseason, is set to debut against the New York Giants this Sunday, after being activated from the injured reserve list. Greenlaw, who did not participate in the preseason or the first six games of the regular season due to hamstring injuries, was formally added to the 53-player roster on Saturday and is listed as questionable on the team’s injury report. He participated in Wednesday’s practice for the first time since before the Week 2 game against the Indianapolis Colts and was a full participant on Friday. The Broncos had an open roster spot after waiving third-string quarterback Sam Ehlinger, who was then signed to the Broncos’ practice squad on Saturday. Greenlaw suffered a thigh injury during an offseason workout and did not participate in the on-field sections of OTAs and minicamp. He initially practiced when training camp began, but then suffered “a different injury” in his thigh, according to coach Sean Payton. Greenlaw firm signed a three-year, $31.5 million contract in March, and Payton has consistently praised the physicality and athleticism that Greenlaw could bring to the Broncos’ defense. Despite his injuries over the years, Greenlaw has been one of the most impactful linebackers in the league. He has had four seasons with at least 80 tackles and has 14 passes defended in his career. He joins a Broncos defense that leads the league in sacks, third-down defense, red-zone defense, and defensive EPA, and is second in the league in scoring defense. The defensive coordinator, Vance Joseph, said this week that it was possible that Greenlaw could be on some sort of pitch count, initially, when he returns to the lineup.
Obviously, when you add a good player, that makes you a better defense,” Joseph said. “… He’s been a great player for a long time.
Vance Joseph
