A former New England Patriots quarterback is signing with the Denver Broncos.
Danny Etling, a seventh-round draft selection of the Patriots back in 2018, is signing with the Broncos’ practice squad, according to Mike Klis of 9News.
“QB Danny Etling has cleared COVID protocols and has been signed to Broncos’ practice squad per league source,” said Klis on Saturday, November 13.
The Broncos are currently dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak of sorts. Backup quarterback Drew Lock missed the Week 9 win over the Dallas Cowboys after he was in close contact with somebody who tested positive for the virus.
Lock will also miss Sunday’s game against the Eagles. He will not be back from the COVID list until Monday.
Denver will also likely be without offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur for Sunday’s matchup after he tested positive for COVID-19.
The Broncos’ other quarterbacks — Teddy Bridgewater and Brett Rypien — are good in regards to COVID testing, according to Klis. That likely means that the Etling signing is just a precautionary measure in case things worsen when it comes to COVID testing for Broncos players.
Although Bridgewater and Rypien tested negative for COVID-19 on Saturday, there’s a chance they could still test positive come Sunday. If they’re not cleared Sunday morning, Etling would serve as the team’s quarterback.
Etling’s History as an NFL Quarterback
Etling played out the 2018 season as a member of the Patriots’ practice squad. He later transitioned to the wide receiver position prior to the start of the 2019 season but was cut before the start of the regular season.
The LSU alum has also previously had stints with the Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks released him in late October.
Klis reports that the former Patriots quarterback will earn $9,200 a week as long as he sticks around on the practice squad.
“Etling will draw a practice squad salary of $9,200 per week, which means he will earn $82,800 if he sticks with the Broncos’ practice squad through the final 9 weeks (eight games),” says Kils.
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Patriots Rule Out 2 Players vs. Browns
The Patriots will be down without two key offensive players for Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.
Both starting running back Damien Harris (concussion) and wide receiver Gunner Olszewski (concussion) were ruled out for Week 10 on Saturday.
As Adam Schefer of ESPN reports, the Patriots are still hoping that Rhamondre Stevenson can suit up at running back despite being in the concussion protocol. If he can’t, that would leave Brandon Bolden and J.J. Taylor as the next Patriots running backs.
“With Damien Harris ruled out for Sunday due to a concussion, the Patriots still are hopeful that rookie RB Rhamondre Stevenson can clear concussion protocol before Sunday’s game vs. Browns,” says Schefter.
Bolden has served most of the season as a third-down back, notching 22 receptions so far. If Stevenson is ruled out, the 31-year-old is ready to go.
“Like Bill (Belichick) always says, ‘The more you can do.’ Whatever the situation calls for, you’ve gotta step up and be there. That’s pretty much what I’m doing,” Bolden said on Friday. “That’s how I’m going about it and I wish the best for those guys.”
Ex-Patriots QB, Draft Pick to Sign With Broncos: Report