Michael

Burton

In other words, he was placed on the season-ending version of injured reserve. The Broncos don’t currently have a fullback after cutting Adam Prentice earlier today, so they’ll likely either add there or use one of their tight ends in the backfield this season.

Both Burton and Sanders will miss at least the first four weeks of the season before having a chance to return to their roles with Denver after October. Burton should return to his lead-blocking role once healthy, while Sanders adds to the linebacking depth.

Prentice’s signing makes sense, at least in the short term. The Broncos’ starting FB Michael Burton is dealing with a hamstring injury. It’s unlikely the team will keep two fullbacks on the active roster, so this could foreshadow Burton’s injury being one that keeps him out for a while. The Broncos correspondingly placed OG Nick Gargiulo on injured reserve.

Burton has spent the past two years in Denver, appearing in all 34 regular season games. He operates as the team’s primary fullback but is also a special teams ace, logging 584 special teams snaps as a Bronco. On offense, Burton turned 17 touches into 73 yards and two scores last year.

Burton is expected to sign with the Broncos’ practice squad tomorrow. The team will then elevate him for their Week 9 matchup with the Ravens. His release is nothing more than some roster management sleight of hand.

Humphrey has experience in head coach Sean Payton’s system while Burton likely gets the elevation to serve as the starting fullback in Sean Payton’s offense. Neither is worthy of fantasy consideration for opening weekend.

Burton joined Sean Payton’s Saints-turned-Broncos last year and will remain in Denver for at least one more season. Burton in 2023 played all 17 regular season games, blocking for Broncos running backs in a run-first offense.

Burton is familiar with newcomer Broncos head coach Sean Payton from their time together in New Orleans. The Broncos have now made multiple moves in the backfield after the team signed former Bengals RB Samaje Perine earlier in the day. Look for both players to play key roles in the coming season considering Javonte Williams is coming off a torn ACL and both Marlon Mack and Latavius Murray are considered to be on their way out.

One of the few teams that still employs a fullback, the Chiefs put Burton on the field for 94 offensive snaps last season. He also played over 200 snaps on special teams.

The Chiefs needed a replacement for retiring fullback Anthony Sherman. Throwing lead blocks since 2015, 2020 was Burton’s first and only season in New Orleans. He also features on special teams, as all fullbacks must in this era. Headed into his age-29 campaign, Burton has 28 career touches.