Broncos expect Enyi Uwazurike back ‘very soon’ from sports gambling suspension

ENGLEWOOD — Defensive lineman Enyi Uwazurike is expected to rejoin the Broncos soon following a suspension related to sports gambling.

Uwazurike is a fourth-round draft pick (2022) who appeared in eight games as a rookie with 17 combined tackles. The NFL suspended him last summer for allegedly betting on league games in the 2022 season. Coach Sean Payton updated Uwazurike’s status with the team on Thursday after the sixth training camp practice with fans at Broncos Park.

“There’s good news on his front. Everything in Minnesota (court) was dropped and then the other day everything in Colorado (court),” Payton said. “He had his conference call with the league office. We fully anticipate him now joining us as soon as possible. We’re waiting on the league. But he’s in great shape. We were really excited to hear that news. We see that happening very soon. That will be an additional player for us, and we’ll be glad to have him back.”

Jervis signed, Bailey to IR

The Broncos signed offensive lineman Oliver Jervis on Thursday and placed offensive tackle Quinn Bailey on injured reserve.

Jervis, an undrafted rookie, played his previous college season at Colorado State and started all 12 games at tackle. The 6-foot-5, 305-pound undrafted rookie spent the previous four seasons at Monmouth University.

Bailey left practice Wednesday on the cart with an air cast on his right leg. Payton suspected a fractured ankle. He provided more information Thursday following practice.

“(Bailey) dislocated his ankle and fractured his fibula,” Payton said. “Next week, I don’t have the day yet, but he’ll have the ankle surgery. There’s probably a good chance they just leave the fibula and let it heal. But they’ll look at that. … He sounded a little groggy (Wednesday), but upbeat. Very quickly, he’ll be in the building here rehabbing. I think that will be good when he’s around his teammates.”

Briefly

Safety P.J. Locke provided a glowing endorsement of rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Locke said: “What I notice from Bo is that he is a good ‘look-off guy’. … Most times, rookie quarterbacks, their first read, they’re going to look at (the target). He’ll look you off really quick. I think he studies the safeties.” … Wide receiver Josh Reynolds, one day after a breakout training camp practice, discussed his blocking ability at 6-foot-3 and 192 pounds. Reynolds said: “I don’t want to get beat by that guy. Then I’ve got to watch it on film. I like to hit. I like the physical aspect of the game.” … Game officials joined practice Thursday for the first time since training camp started.