Broncos Make Final Decision on OLB Baron Browning After Missing Camp

The Denver Broncos have had a busy 48 hours, culminating in the team's final roster cuts on Tuesday. As the Broncos waived or released players to get down to the final 53, the team also orchestrated two trades, dealing tight end Albert Okwuegbunam away to Philadelphia and acquiring kicker Wil Lutz from New Orleans.

With all the different roster moves, we also got some clarity on the outlook of a few veterans who've been injured this summer. One such player is outside linebacker Baron Browning, who opened training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.

Broncos head coach Sean Payton confirmed that Browning will also open the 2023 regular season on the PUP list, which guarantees he'll miss the first four games, at least, by NFL rule.

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Back in June, Browning underwent arthroscopic knee surgery to repair a partially torn meniscus. The Broncos responded by signing three-time Pro Bowler Frank Clark to offer a veteran complement with starting experience to the rush linebacker room.

Browning was a 2021 third-round pick out of Ohio State and was originally drafted to play inside linebacker. That's exactly what he did as a rookie, and he did it well when his number was called.

However, the Broncos transitioned Browning to outside linebacker in 2022, and while the team has a checkered track record of switching the position of young defenders early in their career, Browning took to the change like a duck to water.

In eight starts last year, Browning led the Broncos' rush linebacker corps with five sacks, to go along with a forced fumble and 12 QB hits. Time will tell just how quickly he can return to the 2023 roster.

For now, the Broncos will march into the regular season with the aforementioned Clark, Randy Gregory, Jonathon Cooper, and Nik Bonitto on the edge. The unit will be significantly helped by the arrival of defensive end Zach Allen, who plays on the inside.

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