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According to the Denver Posts Nicki Jhabvala, the Denver Broncos placed defensive end Kenny Anunike on the PUP list because of a lingering knee injury.
Broncos DE Kenny Anunike on PUP list
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) July 25, 2016
Anunike landed on the Broncos injured reserve last season because of this injury and spent the entire offseason rehabbing his knee in hopes of being ready for Training Camp. He sounded optimistic about his chances when he told Jhabvala back in June that he was "feeling great" and that he will be "ready to go" for Training Camp.
"Oh yeah, of course, of course. I cannot wait," he said. "I’m on track and working with Broncos head athletic trainer Steve Antonopulos and those guys every day at the facility. I’ll be ready to go."
Well, either Anunike had an unfortunate setback since this conversation, or the Broncos are playing it safe with him because he's a bit injury-prone.
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According to PUP rules, Anunike can be activated off the PUP at any time during Training Camp and the Preseason and begin practicing immediately. The player still counts towards the 90-man roster during that time as well. Now, if Anunikee stays on the PUP through Training Camp and the Preseason he will have to sit out the first six games of the 2016 regular season. If the player stays on the PUP through the week six deadline he will end up missing the entire season.
Hopefully, Anunike will be activated off the PUP sooner rather than later. If not, his chances of making the team or even being put on the Broncos 10-man Practice Squad drop considerably. if it gets to that point I think the Broncos will just decide to part ways with Anunike and pay him an injury settlement.
Anunike is battling for a roster spot with veterans Vance Walker and Jared Crick as well as second-round pick Adam Gotsis.
Speaking of Gotsis, there has been no talk about the Broncos second-round pick starting Training Camp on the PUP list. As we know, he tore his ACL in late October and has spent the entire offseason rehabbing that injury. He didn't participate in the Broncos offseason program but appears to be ready for Camp. I'd expect him to be eased in of course, but the fact he will be out there is great news.