Denver Broncos defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike was reinstated by the NFL on Monday following a gambling suspension that lasted just over one year. Uwazurike said in a statement that he has learned from his mistakes, and the Broncos have welcomed him back to the team.
“‘Enny’ has handled this well,” Denver coach Sean Payton said Monday. “He took full responsibility for it. We’re in that period of time where there’s a lot of mistakes being made relative to the gambling and the gambling policy. I think the league and the communication they provided with him, we’re grateful for.
“He was out a year and so our job now is to make sure that we’re slow to get him ready back because he’s missed quite a bit. He was very remorseful, and I think that played a big part of it. I think he understands certainly the mistake he made and he’s really appreciative to be back here with this team.”
Because he just returned after a year-plus away from the team, Payton said the Broncos will ease Uwazurike back into action. He might not play when Denver faces the Indianapolis Colts in their preseason opener on Sunday, but Uwazurike figures to get game action at some point during preseason.
Uwazurike will join a defensive line rotation that includes Zach Allen, John Franklin-Myers, D.J. Jones and Malcolm Roach.
“He’s big, he’s explosive and he’s strong,” Payton said. “He’s got those traits to push the pocket and I think he’s young. We see him like he’s a [defensive] end candidate. He’ll play inside and we’re glad it’s worked out for him.”
Uwazurike, 26, totaled 17 tackles in eight games as a rookie in 2022. After missing the 2023 season, he now returns to the Broncos hoping to win a spot on the 53-man roster in the second half of training camp.
