The Broncos waived versatile defensive back Essang Bassey on Tuesday, the team announced, beginning what sets up to be busy stretch of roster movement over the coming days and weeks.
Bassey began the season as Denver’s starting nickel in place of the injured K’Waun Williams but lost his job in Week 4 to Ja’Quan McMillian. The Broncos could use the roster spot to promote running back Dwayne Washington from the practice squad to the 53-man roster or they could save the spot to activate a player from injured reserve later this week.
Washington had been elevated from the practice squad each of the past three weeks — the maximum allowed for the season — and played 56 combined snaps on special teams over that stretch. He could also serve as a third active running back against the New York Jets if Javonte Williams (hip) is not ready to return after leaving Sunday’s win against Chicago in the first quarter.
In the secondary, Denver has McMillian and veteran Fabian Moreau and could work rookie Riley Moss into the defensive rotation, as well.
The Broncos also signed former New Orleans wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith to a practice squad deal Tuesday and waived receiver Michael Bandy off the practice squad.
Smith spent five seasons with the Saints and was coached by Sean Payton for four of them. The veteran wideout was released by the Saints from the injured reserve last week after he missed most of training camp with a groin injury. In his career, Smith has 131 catches for 1,764 yards and 18 touchdowns over 66 games.
The moves represent the start of what could be a busy stretch of days or weeks on the roster front. The Broncos have three players eligible to return off of injured reserve — Williams (ankle), safety P.J. Locke (ankle) and offensive lineman Alex Palczewski (hand) — plus outside linebacker Baron Browning (knee) is eligible to return from the physically unable to perform list. Tight end Greg Dulcich (hamstring) is eligible to return from IR next week.
Each player can return to practice without counting against the 53-man roster, but must take up a spot once they’re activated for a game. There’s no guarantee that all four eligible this week will be ready to return right away, but they’ve all been steadily making progress on the side field during the portions of practice open to reporters.
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