Broncos to activate OLB Baron Browning

The Broncos’ pass rush will have a reinforcement back Thursday night. Despite Baron Browning returning to practice during a short week, the Broncos will not slow-play his return.

Both Browning and Mike McGlinchey received IR-return designations this week, and ESPN's Jeremy Fowler notes the former is coming off IR ahead of Thursday night’s Saints matchup. It is not yet certain if McGlinchey will join the outside linebacker in playing in New Orleans, but with Denver’s right tackle practicing fully Wednesday, it would seem the team will strongly consider another immediate activation.

Browning went down with a foot injury in Week 2; McGlinchey suffered an MCL sprain during the Broncos’ loss to the Steelers as well. Browning’s return will be pivotal for his future, as this is a contract year for the former third-round pick. The Ohio State alum worked as a starter alongside his former college teammate, Jonathon Cooper, but the Broncos have seen 2022 second-round pick Nik Bonitto enjoy success filling in.

Regardless of how the Broncos structure their OLB corps, the team has another piece to use during a season that has seen Vance Joseph‘s unit help cover for offensive struggles. Browning will join Bonitto, Cooper and third-round rookie Jonah Elliss in the Broncos OLB group. This will be the team’s third injury designation used this season.