The Denver Broncos have added veteran defensive back Taylor Rapp to their practice squad, bringing back a familiar face to the organization as they finalize early-season personnel. The move returns a player with seven years of starting-caliber experience and 93 NFL games to the Broncos' building.
Background on Rapp's recent timeline
Rapp first signed with Denver on Aug. 20 but was released six days later to address a personal situation at home, Yahoo! News reported. He returned to the club's facility for a workout and has now been brought back to the practice squad, an official roster move the team completed ahead of Week 1 preparations.
The re-signing follows comments from the Broncos' camp earlier in the preseason that the matter required time away; with that situation resolved, the organization has reintegrated Rapp into its depth mix.
What Rapp brings and the short-term outlook
As a 2019 second-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams, Rapp arrives with substantial NFL background: seven years of starting-caliber experience and 93 games played. He will begin on the practice squad, which gives him time to regain football shape and allows the Broncos roster flexibility.
Under current rules, the Broncos can elevate Rapp from the practice squad to the game-day roster up to three times this season, a mechanism that provides immediate, short-term options without a full roster transaction, Yahoo! News noted.
Rapp is unlikely to be available for Denver's Week 1 matchup at Arrowhead Stadium against the Kansas City Chiefs. He will begin on the practice squad, which gives him time to get into football shape, and he could be a valuable piece for the scout team. The Broncos can elevate him from the practice squad on game days up to three times, or make roster moves later to add him to the active roster.
The re-addition is a low-risk, experienced reinforcement for Denver as it heads into the regular season. Rapp's familiarity with the club and his NFL experience make him a straightforward depth option who can be activated quickly if circumstances require it.
