The Denver Broncos are in a tight spot with their star running back J.K. Dobbins potentially out for several games due to an injury—imagine relying on just a handful of backups while the clock ticks down on the season! But what if I told you the solution might be lurking in the shadows of other teams' practice squads? Yep, Denver could shake things up by snagging a talented runner from those overlooked depths, and that's exactly what we're diving into today. For those new to the NFL scene, a practice squad is like a team's reserve bench—full of promising players who aren't on the active roster but could step up if needed. It's a smart way to add depth without breaking the bank, and the Broncos have already done it twice this week alone, signing players from rivals' squads. So, while they could stick with RJ Harvey, Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie, and practice squad member Deuce Vaughn, bolstering the group with another running back might be the move to ensure they stay competitive. And this is the part most people miss: poaching from practice squads isn't just about talent—it's a strategic chess game that can give a team an edge without hefty contracts. But here's where it gets controversial... Is this fair play, or does it unfairly disrupt other teams' development plans? Some fans argue it's a brilliant tactic, while others see it as undercutting the original club's investment. We'll explore that more as we go, but let's peek at ten standout running backs currently grinding on NFL practice squads who could be Broncos targets.
These are the running backs ready to rumble on practice squads across the league:
Bills RB Frank Gore Jr. (23): Though he hasn't seen action in an official NFL game yet, this young talent shone brightly in college, showing off the speed and vision that could translate to the pros.
49ers RB Sincere McCormick (25): Last year with the Raiders, he made the most of his opportunities, turning 45 carries into 212 yards over five games—that's an impressive average of 4.7 yards per run, proving he's got the burst to stretch defenses.
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Giants RB Dante Miller (26): Mostly biding his time on the Giants' practice squad over the past couple of seasons, Miller lit up the preseason with 14 receptions for 135 yards and 26 carries for 80 yards in just three games—a clear sign he's versatile and ready for more.
Vikings RB Cam Akers (26): His resume boasts 2,432 yards from scrimmage and 17 touchdowns in 56 games, making him a proven producer who could inject big-play potential into any offense.
Panthers RB DeeJay Dallas (27): In 80 games, he's amassed 122 rushes for 517 yards and four scores, plus 64 catches for 407 yards and two more touchdowns, highlighting his dual-threat capabilities as both a runner and receiver.
Seahawks RB Myles Gaskin (28): With 2,066 scrimmage yards and 13 touchdowns in 46 career contests, he's a steady veteran who brings experience and toughness to the table.
Bears RB Brittain Brown (28): Chicago called him up early this season, where he delivered with five carries for 37 yards and a touchdown—demonstrating he's got the power to punch through defenses when given the chance.
Patriots RB D'Ernest Johnson (29): Over 98 games, he's racked up 1,455 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns, showing he's durable and can handle a workload in a variety of roles.
Commanders RB Chase Edmonds (29): As a receiving option out of the backfield, his stats are eye-opening: 3,131 scrimmage yards and 17 scores, proving he's not just a runner but a playmaker who can beat you through the air too.
Remember, Denver's active roster is at capacity right now, so adding any of these backs would require the team to shuffle things around—maybe by waiving someone or making a roster move—to create space. It's like rearranging a crowded closet to fit that perfect new piece!
What do you think? Is poaching from practice squads a savvy strategy that levels the playing field, or does it unfairly poach talent from teams that nurtured it? Some might say it's just smart football, while others argue it stifles rookie development. Do the Broncos need to look elsewhere, like free agents, for long-term stability? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with raiding rivals' squads, or disagree? We'd love to hear from you!
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