:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62171729/usa_today_11187497.0.jpg)
The Denver Broncos are ready to see the return of Su’a Cravens and the defense is in dire need of a boost after an up and down first half of the season.
Cravens, 23, was acquired by the Broncos in a trade this offseason, but injured his knee in the preseason spending the first eight weeks on IR with a designation to return. He’ll likely play in the dimebacker position and will be a key piece in covering running backs and tight ends.
Head Coach Vance Joseph expects to him play a lot against the Houston Texans, noting that ‘he’s got to play’ this week. Every win is critical now as the team is 3-5 at the halfway mark.
“He could be,” Joseph said of Cravens being a factor this week. “His body type and skillset as a dime backer is valuable because he can play first, second and third down. First-second down is run-pass, so if they run the football, he can fit in the A and the B gaps taking on linemen. Obviously, if they pass the ball of first, second or third down, he can cover tight ends. His body type and his skillset valuable.”
The Broncos also added rookie wide receiver River Cracraft off the practice squad and waived second-year wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie. Cracraft had an excellent training camp and figures to take over McKenzie’s role on the back end of the depth chart.