Report: Denver Broncos release James Casey to make room for Derek Wolfe

With Derek Wolfe coming off his four-game suspension, Broncos Country debated who would get released to make room for the defensive lineman.

According to Adam Caplan with ESPN, that player is fullback James Casey. The Broncos made it official on Saturday morning, which was the deadline to make the move. The roster swap means Wolfe is active to play on Sunday against the Oakland Raiders.

#Broncos are going to release FB James Casey, per league source.

— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) October 9, 2015

Casey only played 19 snaps in the first four games with the Broncos after being signed this offseason. And with Denver shifting to the pistol and shotgun formation more frequently, Casey (as a fullback) was expendable. In fact, the Broncos lined up in a two-back set 16 snaps in the first four games and just three of those plays were in the second half of games.

Given the choice, Casey or Wolfe, the decision was easy for John Elway and Gary Kubiak.

The return of Wolfe brings much-needed depth along the defensive line but also talent. The hope for the Denver defense is he also brings the same nastiness that Lyle Alzado brought to the Orange Crush.

Wolfe was suspended the first four games of the season for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.