Denver fills open roster spot with long snapper Fraboni, calls up Prentice and Katsis
The short version
- Broncos signed long snapper Mitchell Fraboni from the practice squad to the 53-man roster
- Roster spot opened when rookie RB Jonah Coleman went on short-term IR with a high ankle sprain
- FB Adam Prentice elevated for the third and final time; WR/KR Kolbe Katsis also elevated
- Katsis expected to return kicks with Marvin Mims Jr. questionable due to a foot injury
The Broncos promoted Mitchell Fraboni to the active roster and elevated two more players from the practice squad ahead of Sunday night's matchup with the Rams.
The Denver Broncos have moved veteran long snapper Mitchell Fraboni from their practice squad onto their 53-man roster, according to Mike Klis of 9NEWS Denver. The transaction fills a vacancy created earlier in the week.
That opening existed because rookie running back Jonah Coleman went on short-term injured reserve with a high ankle sprain. The designation freed up a spot on the active roster, which the club used on Fraboni.
Klis also reported two practice squad elevations for game week: fullback Adam Prentice and rookie wide receiver and returner Kolbe Katsis. For Prentice, it is his third elevation, which is the maximum a practice squad player is allowed under NFL rules.
Neither Fraboni nor Prentice had to clear waivers when Denver originally placed them on the practice squad during final roster cuts. The arrangement let the Broncos carry additional players on the 53-man roster while still elevating Fraboni and Prentice as needed, up to the three-game limit, before returning them to the active roster.
Because Prentice has now used all three of his elevations, Denver would need to clear a spot on the 53-man roster to keep using him beyond this week. The team has employed this kind of roster maneuvering before and could continue to rely on it.
Katsis, an undrafted rookie, is in line to handle return duties with All-Pro returner and wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. listed as questionable because of a foot issue. The rookie displayed his returning ability over the summer, in training camp and during the preseason, and is in position to make his NFL debut this week.
It is also a notable chance for the first-year player. Mims is playing out the final season of his contract, so a strong showing could position Katsis as a candidate to take over the returner job going forward.
All three players could see meaningful snaps against the Rams: Fraboni handling the long snapping, Prentice working as the lead fullback, short-yardage back and special teams contributor, and Katsis taking kicks and punts.
The Broncos host the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, September 27 at Empower Field at Mile High. Kickoff is set for 8:20 PM EDT with the game airing on NBC.
