Broncos return favor in grabbing rookie back from Eagles
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos host the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday but the games have already begun.
Two months after losing cornerback Mac McCain III when the Eagles plucked him from their practice squad, the Broncos on Wednesday returned the favor, signing McCain off waivers from Philadelphia.
Broncos cornerback
Before Denver put in a waiver claim, Eagles coach Nick Sirianni was asked about McCain and fellow rookie cornerback Kay Vincent Jr., a seventh-rounded draft pick the Broncos traded to the Eagles recently for a sixth-round pick even though Vincent didn't play a snap in Denver.
“They’re both doing well, Sirianni replied. “They’re both doing well. We did have to cut Mac yesterday just to make room on our roster for Jordan Howard, our running back. Mac was really good here. We’re hoping we get him back, to be honest with you. Mac has done a good job, especially on the scout team. He had a little bit of run in the Cowboys game when he was up, and he’s just done a good job.
“We just felt like that’s such an important position—that cornerback position. We had an opportunity to get both those guys on our roster. We took advantage of it because they both have a lot of talent,” Sirianni added. “As I’ve gotten to know both of the guys, they’ve got high football character and (I’m) looking forward to continuing to work with those guys. We definitely just saw the talent. The preseason games particularly with Mac, and then the speed with Kary. We’re excited to have them on our roster.”
Several hours later, Sirianni learned the Broncos (5-4) had grabbed McCain back just four days before the Eagles (3-6) visit Denver.
McCain is a rookie from North Carolina A&T State University who signed with Denver as a college free agent in May and spent time on the Broncos’ practice squad before being signed to Philadelphia’s active roster on Sept. 7. He appeared in one game for the Eagles, logging 15 snaps on special teams in Week 3 at Dallas.
When training camp opened, Broncos coach Vic Fangio said, "Mac’s a young guy, limited college background in what he’s been exposed to from a football standpoint. He’s learning. He’s got a long way to go to be a regular player in this league, but we like his potential.”
The Broncos also activated tight end Noah Fant from the reserve/COVID-19 list and signed cornerback Duke Dawson Jr. to their practice squad Wednesday.
Fant, who is second on the team with 37 catches and three touchdowns, had been on the COVID-19 list since Nov. 2.
Dawson was activated from reserve/PUP on Monday and he's a candidate for a roster callup this weekend. He's played in 26 career games with the Broncos, who acquired the former 2018 second-round pick from the Patriots in 2019.
Surtain was among a season-high nine Broncos held out of practice, including six starters. The other starters were: LT Garett Bolles (ankle), RT Bobby Massie (ankle), WR Tim Patrick (knee), DE Shelby Harris (non-COVID-19 illness) and OLB Malik Reed (hip).
___
More AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL
-
J.J. McCarthy finds his ideal home and Joel Klatt's top takeaways from NFL Draft
2024 NFL Power Rankings: A post-draft look at where every team stands
Best early NFL bets to make now: Bears, Colts to win their divisions
-
Can Jim Harbaugh turn the Chargers into winners? He’s done it everywhere else
2024 NFL Schedule Release: Date, when does the season start?
2025 NFL mock draft: Who are next year's top players — and how many QBs go high?
-
Bears' Caleb Williams has been practicing Shane Waldron's offense for weeks, per QB coach
2024 NFL Draft grades: Analyzing all 32 teams' classes; Who gets top marks?
Davante Adams has no regrets over Packers trade but admits Jordan Love is a 'baller'
-
J.J. McCarthy finds his ideal home and Joel Klatt's top takeaways from NFL Draft
2024 NFL Power Rankings: A post-draft look at where every team stands
Best early NFL bets to make now: Bears, Colts to win their divisions
-
Can Jim Harbaugh turn the Chargers into winners? He’s done it everywhere else
2024 NFL Schedule Release: Date, when does the season start?
2025 NFL mock draft: Who are next year's top players — and how many QBs go high?
-
Bears' Caleb Williams has been practicing Shane Waldron's offense for weeks, per QB coach
2024 NFL Draft grades: Analyzing all 32 teams' classes; Who gets top marks?
Davante Adams has no regrets over Packers trade but admits Jordan Love is a 'baller'