Report: Broncos waive tight end A.J. Derby and promote tight end Austin Traylor off the practice squad

The Broncos announced early Saturday that they have waived/injured tight end A.J. Derby and signed tight end Austin Traylor off their 10-man practice squad.

Derby was already ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals with a shoulder injury, but the team decided to move on from the veteran and open up a roster spot. They had to do this because both Derby and Jeff Heuerman were ruled out for the game Sunday leaving veteran Virgil Green as the only healthy tight end on the roster. Because of this, the Broncos promoted tight end Austin Traylor of the Broncos 10-man Practice Squad.

Traylor is a first-year player who will likely be playing in his first regular season game of his career. He is listed at 6’3”, 255lbs and played his college ball at Wisconsin. He played two seasons at Wisconsin and totaled just 17 receptions for 234 yards and 4 touchdowns. This past preseason for the Broncos, Traylor totaled 2 receptions for 23 yards and 0 touchdowns. Now he’ll serve as depth behind veteran Virgil Green.

As for Derby, he was acquired in a trade with the New England Patriots last October. During that span, he totaled 35 receptions for 384 yards and 2 touchdowns. Both of those touchdowns came this season for Derby.

This leaves the Broncos with an even bigger question mark at the tight end position. Rookie tight end Jake Butt is already on the IR but figures to be a big part of their plans next season. Jeff Heuerman appears to be a bust and Virgil Green will be a free agent at seasons end. So I expect the Broncos to put an emphasis on this position this upcoming offseason.