With the season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs just six days away, the Denver Broncos appear to be probing additional options to bolster their roster and practice squad depth. Reports indicate the team hosted workouts for four players, exploring potential additions at safety and linebacker.
The workouts featured two safeties, Dean Clark and Jack Henderson, and two linebackers, Jack Dingle and Emany Johnson. Each player brings a distinct set of experiences from recent NFL stints, though none are widely established as current contributors on a regular-season roster.
Henderson’s journey includes time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Miami Dolphins after entering the league as an undrafted free agent. He entered last season with potential but was released by Pittsburgh on the final cut-down day. Dingle joined the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Cincinnati, with some observers casting a hopeful eye on his ability to secure a spot, though he did not survive Cincinnati’s final roster cuts.
Clark appeared in 12 games last season, starting twice for the New York Jets and contributing significant special-teams snaps. Johnson has spent time with the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Chargers since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2024; he did not survive the Chargers’ final roster adjustments last week.
While none of these four names carries high-profile recognition, their addition to the practice squad could provide valuable insurance. They could be called upon in a pinch if injuries arise or if the team needs fresh depth for upcoming preparations and scout-team work.
Emany Johnson stands out as an intriguing name among the group. Although not a household figure, he drew attention during the Chargers’ preseason work, where his performance included notable tackles for loss and solid pursuit trajectories in practice and scrimmages. Johnson transitioned from safety to linebacker after joining Los Angeles, and his athletic profile has drawn praise from analysts who noted his elite-level traits. His athletic versatility has impressed evaluators, with some highlighting his potential to be a productive contributor if pried from the practice squad or used in a rotational capacity.
Clark is another name to watch. He is the only one of the four with NFL game action in a full-season setting, even if limited. His ability to contribute on special teams and to provide depth at safety could be appealing to a coaching staff looking for reliable, versatile backups. The Jets’ secondary last season was not known for its playmaking interceptions, but Clark earned two starts and showed adaptability that could translate into practice squad value and potential future call-ups.
The Broncos’ decision to bring in these four players suggests an emphasis on reinforcing safety and linebacker depth. Depth at these positions is critical, especially given the fast-paced, physical nature of early-season schedules and the inevitable injuries that can surface at this stage of the year. The team’s approach may also reflect a broader evaluation of upside potential, with an eye toward adding bodies who can contribute on special teams or provide quick adjustments in practice to sharpen the unit ahead of game-day responsibilities.
For fans and analysts, the key takeaway is that the Broncos are actively refining their roster beyond the initial 53-man group and practice squad. This ongoing assessment underscores the importance of building flexible depth that can be called upon as the season unfolds, particularly in areas where injuries or disciplinary substitutions could influence the lineup.
Looking ahead, the focal point remains whether any of these workouts translate into formal signing or practice squad placement. If any of the four earn a squad spot, they could eventually be elevated to the active roster in response to injuries or strategic needs during the regular season. Until then, the Broncos’ front office and coaching staff will continue monitoring options, weighing the upside of younger, athletic players against the immediate contributions needed to compete at the highest level.
Fans should stay tuned for official roster moves and updates as the team finalizes its plans for the upcoming matchup against a talented division rival. The ability to adapt and rotate players with emerging potential can have a meaningful impact on a team’s performance in September and beyond.
