Broncos put Wattenberg, Reynolds on injured reserve; Estime set to return vs. Chargers

The Broncos made notable transactions on Saturday ahead of their home game against the Chargers.

The team placed starting center Luke Wattenberg on injured reserve with an ankle injury. He will miss at least the next four games. Reserve center Alex Forsyth will make his first NFL start on Sunday. Wattenberg injured his ankle late in a Week 5 home victory over the Raiders.

Wide receiver Josh Reynolds landed on IR and will also miss a minimum of four weeks. Reynolds required minor finger surgery from an injury he suffered against the Raiders. Rookie wide receiver Devaughn Vele is a candidate for increased snaps without Reynolds available.

The Broncos activated running back Audric Estime from IR. He suffered an ankle injury in Week 1. He rushed for 14 yards on two carries in a loss to the Seahawks. Estime is likely Denver’s third running back option — behind Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin — on Sunday against the Chargers.

The Broncos elevated offensive tackle Cam Fleming and offensive guard Calvin Throckmorton from the practice squad. Fleming re-joined the team this week after playing the last three NFL seasons in Denver. Throckmorton joined the Broncos practice squad in April. The team will be without two starting offensive linemen on Sunday; right tackle Alex Palczewski (ankle) and Wattenberg.

The Broncos signed cornerback Tanner McCalister to the 53-man roster from the practice squad. He played special teams in prior road wins over the Jets and Buccaneers.

Bailey on active roster

Undrafted rookie inside linebacker Levelle Bailey (Fresno State) earned a promotion earlier this week from the practice squad to the active roster. He spoke with The Denver Gazette about his excitement to face the Chargers.

“Just grateful and blessed to get the opportunity,” Bailey said. “I finally got to make the active (roster) and I appreciate the coaches for believing in me.”

Bailey (6-2, 225) was elevated from the Broncos practice squad to the active roster in their previous two games. He recorded 24 special teams snaps.

“Usually, that’s how rookies get on the field (playing special teams),” Bailey said. “The guys in my room are doing a stellar job. I’m just grateful to watch them and learn from them. ... Just soaking everything in.”

Broncos fines

Three Broncos earned fines in their Week 5 victory over the Raiders, the NFL announced on Saturday. Players may appeal league rulings.

—Defensive end John Franklin-Myers: $14,069 for unsportsmanlike conduct.

—Fullback Michael Burton: $7,653 for unnecessary roughness (blindside block).

—Defensive tackle Malcolm Roach: $11,255 for unnecessary roughness (late hit).

Briefly

The Chargers placed running back Gus Edwards and cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. on IR, the team announced Saturday. ... The Broncos plan to celebrate retired cornerback Chris Harris Jr. on Sunday at Empower Field, the team announced on X (formerly Twitter). ... The weather in Denver on Sunday for Broncos-Chargers is an expected high temperature of 75 degrees with no chance of rain, per 9NEWS’ forecast.