The Denver Broncos have been looking for a spark on special teams for weeks. That led to the team taking a shot on special teams ace J.T. Gray.
Gray was surprisingly cut by the New Orleans Saints after seven seasons with the team this offseason. The Baltimore Ravens signed him to their practice squad but in mid-October, the Broncos snatched him off their practice squad.
He had his first chance to suit up for the team this past Sunday against the Houston Texans and injured his hamstring during punt coverage. As a result, the Broncos have released him with an injury settlement.
Back to the drawing board.
The special teams unit has come under fire for underperforming this season, despite the Broncos being on a six-game winning streak. Sean Payton addressed that situation following the win over Houston and stated that a change could be coming.
The Broncos hired Darren Rizzi as their special teams coach this offseason. Rizzi is one of the most respected special teams coaches in the league and he has worked with Payton in the past. Still, it was a somewhat controversial move to relieve Ben Kotwica of his duties as special teams coach. To this point, the unit was better with Kotwica last year than Rizzi so far this year.
The Broncos are going to need a player to step up and make plays on special teams, particularly in kick coverage. The Broncos have struggled in that area this season and allowed a 45-yard punt return by Jaylin Noel on Sunday that led to a key field goal for the Texans.
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With Gray off the team, the Broncos have an open spot on the 53-man roster ahead of this Thursday night’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Look for the team to elevate a player from the practice squad specifically to help out on special teams. Former fifth-round pick Delarrin Turner-Yell could be an option.
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