Broncos Announce Return of Key Defender Off IR for Week 5

The Denver Broncos defense has, sadly, become the laughingstock of the NFL. Currently allowing the most yards (461.5 per game) and points (37.5 ppg), the Broncos sit at the bottom of the NFL defensive rankings in nearly all the key statistical categories.

This defense badly needed an infusion of talent, and the Broncos are getting it with the return of All-Pro safety Justin Simmons, starting inside linebacker Josey Jewell, and veteran Pro Bowl rush linebacker Frank Clark this week vs. the New York Jets. On Saturday, we learned that Denver will be getting back another veteran defender in the form of safety P.J. Locke, who was activated to the 53-man roster off of injured reserve, per 9NEWS' Mike Klis.

"[The] Broncos have activated safety P.J. Locke from IR to their 53-man roster per source," Klis tweeted.

Broncos have activated safety P.J. Locke from IR to their 53-man roster per source.
— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) October 7, 2023

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The Broncos have since confirmed Locke's return. Going undrafted out of Texas in 2019, Locke joined the Broncos as a college free agent late that season. Now in his fourth year, the 5-foot-10, 202-pound safety has appeared in 47 regular-season games with the Broncos, totaling 31 tackles (18 solo) in a depth role and special teams maven.

Locke is coming off a summer toe injury that landed him on IR. Considering how badly Delarrin Turner-Yell and rookie JL Skinner have been in relief of the injured Simmons the past two weeks, Locke's experience will hopefully have a galvanizing effect on the back end of the Broncos defense.

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