The Denver Broncos have a solid group on the defensive front, but that group took a hit this week as fourth-year pro Matt Henningsen has been ruled out for the 2025 season with a torn Achilles.
Henningsen was taken in the sixth round of the 2022 draft and has been a player the Broncos can insert into the lineup when needed. In that same draft, they selected Eyioma Uwazurike in the fourth round. Both players were on the roster bubble entering training camp, but with one out, the other must take advantage.
The Broncos know that they will start the season with Zach Allen, D.J. Jones and John Franklin-Myers on the defensive front, the question is, which players will provide the depth? Third-round pick Sai'vion Jones is going to make the team and have a good chance to replace Franklin-Myers, who is a free agent after the season.
Malcolm Roach would probably be the next guy in the pecking order, but if the Broncos keep a sixth defensive lineman, Uwazurike and Jordan Jackson are likely battling for that spot.
Uwazurike came to the Broncos as a promising player out of Iowa State. But after a quiet rookie season, he was suspended for the entire 2023 campaign for violating the league's anti-gambling policy. He was reinstated last summer and had 11 tackles and a half of a sack for the team in four games.
READ: Broncos starting CB surprisingly listed as trade bait
In three seasons, he has played in just 12 games for the Broncos. Now at 27 years old, these next few weeks could determine the future for Uwazurike, at least in Denver.
The talent is there, but is he a better option than Roach or Jackson? Many fans of the team would say no at this point, and Uwazurike needs to use the rest of camp and the two remaining preseason games to show this coaching staff that he should be a part of the team going into the season.
MORE BRONCOS CONTENT
Broncos veteran wide receiver just made it extremely difficult for young player to crack roster
Broncos Preseason: 7 players with big chance to impress vs. 49ers on Saturday night
Broncos' defensive lineman's season may be over before it even got started
Broncos' second-year wide receiver has been the story of training camp thus far
Broncos urged to put $15 million defensive lineman on trade block