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According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Denver Broncos have signed veteran safety, Shamarko Thomas.
Former Colts’ S Shamarko Thomas, released over weekend, us signing with the Denver Broncos, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 13, 2018
Thomas is needed after the Broncos learned that reserve safety/core special teamer, Jamal Carter suffered a torn hamstring which will, unfortunately, end his season.
He is available because the Indianapolis Colts recently parted ways with the veteran safety after he ended up being the first player to be ejected from a game under the new helmet rule. The Colts say it wasn’t because of that but it likely had at least something to do with it.
Check out the hit below.
Ex-Steeler Shamarko Thomas the 1st player ejected under new league rules for this nasty hit. https://t.co/RhHpAo1sG1 pic.twitter.com/P3CG75sYr2
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) August 10, 2018
Looking at the hit, yes he did lead with the helmet, but it appears he was going for the knees, not a nasty helmet to helmet hit. However, the NFL is trying to remove the lead with the helmet hits and made Thomas an example of what not to do. Now, he will get another chance with the Broncos.
Thomas a former draft pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers is entering his 6th season in the NFL. He spent his first four years with the Steelers before playing the 2017 season with the Buffalo Bills. During his five seasons in the NFL, Thomas totaled 62 tackles and 1 forced fumble.
With Jamal Carter out for the year, Thomas was predominately played special teams during his career will look to fill his role going forward. He’ll compete with first-year player Dymonte Thomas for that role in the coming weeks as well.