ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Broncos are adding some final-hour reinforcements for their game Thursday night against the New Orleans Saints by activating right tackle Mike McGlinchey, outside linebacker Baron Browning and cornerback Damarri Mathis from injured reserve.
The Broncos also elevated inside linebacker Kwon Alexander and guard Calvin Throckmorton from their practice squad for the game against the Saints.
McGlinchey suffered an MCL injury late in the Broncos’ Week 2 home loss to Pittsburgh. Browning suffered an ankle injury in that same game against the Steelers. Both were sidelined the past four games. McGlinchey may start at right tackle against the Saints, especially with his top backup Alex Palczewski ruled out with an ankle injury. Matt Peart started for the Broncos at right tackle Sunday against the Chargers.
Mathis has been down since suffering an ankle injury in the preseason game Aug. 25 against Arizona. With starting cornerback Pat Surtain II not playing Thursday against the Saints because of a concussion, Mathis adds depth to the position. He played in 33 games the previous two seasons with 17 starts.
The Broncos made room on their 53-man roster for those three players by releasing linebacker Kristian Welch and safety Tanner McCalister on Tuesday. The Broncos waived undrafted rookie running back Blake Watson on Thursday.
McCalister is signing back on the Broncos’ practice squad. Welch signed with the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad.
