Tyrie Cleveland rejoins the Broncos as a practice squad member

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Tyrie Cleveland’s absence from Dove Valley didn’t last long.

Cleveland, a third-year wide receiver, rejoined the Broncos on Thursday as a practice squad member after being released from the 53-man roster on Monday. Cleveland was on the field practicing with the team on Thursday. The 25-year-old was released to clear roster space in one of a handful of moves made Monday.

Special teams coordinator Dwayne Stukes spoke to reporters shortly before Thursday’s move was announced.

“Hopefully we have him at some point in time,” Stukes said of Cleveland.

Since joining the Broncos as a seventh-round draft pick in 2020, Cleveland has carved out a role as a core special teams player. As a receiver, Cleveland has produced less than 100 yards in his career.

Several factors probably contributed to Cleveland’s demotion to the practice squad:

• Kendall Hinton and Jalen Virgil stepped up as the Broncos were without three of their top four receivers. Cleveland saw an expanded role but didn’t catch a ball. Training camp standout and undrafted rookie Brandon Johnson is healthy again and could factor in at wide receiver as soon as this week.
  
• Cleveland can be activated from the practice squad for two gamedays, allowing him to help out with special teams. If the Broncos activate him for the next two games, a roster spot may be available to keep him on the field if needed.
  
• The Broncos promoted defensive lineman Jonathan Harris from the practice squad on Monday following a good performance in his 2022 debut against the Titans. He earned a B+ grade from DNVR and may have been poached by a team looking for a run stuffer. The Broncos can protect Harris by flipping him with Cleveland, who is unlikely to be poached.