ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Needing more experienced depth at their inside linebacker position, the Broncos signed veteran Kristian Welch and waived undrafted rookie Levelle Bailey.
The transaction comes as the Broncos could no longer wait to bring back inside linebacker Jonas Griffith, who is dealing with an undisclosed injury. Griffith was among the Broncos' final cuts Tuesday. On Wednesday, the Broncos signed 16 players to their 17-man practice squad, appearing to save one spot for Griffith, who would have been a candidate for elevation on game days in the early part of the season. That could still potentially happen in a couple weeks but he first must deal with his injury.
Welch has previously played three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and last year with Green Bay. According to Pro Football Reference, Welch has played 1,101 snaps on special teams and 44 at linebacker, none last year.
Bailey was among the rookie surprises on the Broncos' initial 53-man roster, although no one was arguing following his 94-yard interception return for a touchdown in the final preseason game Sunday against Arizona.
