Broncos elevate LB Levelle Bailey, DB Tanner McCalister to face Jets

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — On the heels of Alex Singleton being lost for the season with a torn right ACL, the Broncos on Saturday elevated rookie inside linebacker Levelle Bailey off the practice squad to the active roster for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.

Denver also elevated defensive back Tanner McCalister from the practice squad for the second straight week due to safety JL Skinner being out for a second game in a row due to an ankle injury.

Singleton was hurt in last Sunday’s 26-7 win at Tampa Bay and placed on injured reserve, leaving Cody Barton, Kristian Welch and Justin Strnad as the only inside linebackers on the active roster. The elevation of Bailey provides additional depth.

Barton will be one starter on Sunday and will wear the green dot on his helmet and call out defensive signals. Welch and Strnad are candidates to be the other starter while Bailey will be a reserve and play on special teams.

Bailey, undrafted out of Fresno State, was on Denver's initial 53-man roster when it was set Aug. 27, but he was waived Aug. 29 and signed the next day to the practice squad. The Broncos last Wednesday signed veteran linebackers Kwon Alexander and Zach Cunningham to the practice squad, but the Broncos decided to elevate Bailey over either of them.

The Jets on Saturday elevated linebacker Marcelino McCrary-Ball and defensive lineman to the active roster for Sunday's game. McCrary-Ball provides depth with linebacker C.J. Mosley listed as doubtful with a toe injury.

Peart is Broncos' eligible tackle

One of these days, perhaps tackle Matt Peart will catch a pass. After all, his primary role this season has been to be the sixth offensive linemen, making him an eligible receiver.

For now, Broncos coach Sean Payton likes other things that Peart is doing.

“He gives us strength and protection if we’re throwing,'' Payton said. "It can’t always be a run, so it’s generally run or play-action pass. He’s doing a good job.”

Reynolds battling tendinitis

Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds hasn’t missed any game time this season but has been on the injured report with regularity with an Achilles designation.

Reynolds said he has tendinitis in the Achilles and that it “flares up” occasionally. He is second on the team with 11 receptions in three games and has a team-high 174 receiving yards.