Broncos waive CB Levi Wallace after 13 games; RB Tyler Badie returns to practice

The Broncos waived veteran cornerback Levi Wallace on Tuesday after he had been inactive for the last two weeks.

Head coach Sean Payton said the decision to let go of Wallace wasn’t easy and hopes the team can sign him back to the practice squad if he clears waivers.

Wallace played in 13 games (two starts), allowing 15 catches for 223 yards, a touchdown and a passer rating of 111.3, according to NFL’s Next Gen Stats. The former Bills and Steelers defensive back last played in Week 13’s win over the Browns, when he gave up six catches for 151 yards and a touchdown while filling in for an injured Riley Moss.

Following Wallace’s nightmarish performance, Denver turned to rookie cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine. Since Week 15, the former Missouri standout has impressed the coaching staff, allowing three catches for 23 yards on 12 targets.

Abrams-Draine recorded his first career interception in Denver’s 34-27 loss to the Chargers.

Wallace’s departure could also mean Moss might play Saturday against the Bengals. Moss has been sidelined for the last three games due to an MCL injury he sustained against the Raiders on Nov. 24.

After not practicing for two straight weeks, the former Iowa standout was listed as a limited participant for two straight days on the Broncos’ estimated injury report ahead of their trip to Los Angeles. Moss practiced on Tuesday, and Payton previously said he hoped the second-year cornerback could play in Cincinnati.

Wallace signed a one-year deal with the Broncos in the offseason. He competed to be a starter during training camp, but the role was awarded to Moss.

Moss, a third-round pick in 2023, has recorded 71 tackles, an interception and eight passes defended in 12 starts.

Badie returns to practice: Denver opened the 21-day practice window for running back Tyler Badie, who collapsed on the sideline with a back injury during Week 4’s win over the Jets.

In the first quarter against New York on the road, Badie was hit directly in the lower side/back area by linebacker Quincy Williams, resulting in a fumble and a Jets recovery.

Badie was able to walk to the sideline but soon after went to the ground and eventually found himself lying flat on his back as training staff attended to him. Eventually, the medical staff placed Badie on a stretcher and immobilized him.

Badie recorded 11 carries for 86 yards before the injury.

Running back Jaleel McLaughlin (quad) also practiced after missing last week’s matchup against Los Angeles. Rookie Blake Watson was promoted to the 53-man roster.

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