Signed OL to PS by the Denver Broncos

In the NFL, practice squads are often viewed as the “unsung backbone” of a team’s roster—providing critical depth, scout-team preparation, and a pipeline of talent for the active roster. For the Denver Broncos, who are fresh off a 13-4 regular season and a No. 1 seed in the AFC, every roster move—even those involving the practice squad—carries weight as they gear up for a deep playoff run. This week, the Broncos made a strategic addition to their practice squad, signing veteran offensive lineman Will Hernandez to bolster their frontline depth. The move comes at a crucial time: with the playoffs set to begin in two weeks, the Broncos are prioritizing health and flexibility along the offensive line, a unit that has been instrumental in their balanced attack (ranking 8th in rushing yards and 7th in total offense). Signed OL to PS by the Denver Broncos isn’t just a routine transaction; it’s a calculated move to protect the team’s most valuable asset—quarterback Jarrett Stidham—and ensure the offense can maintain its momentum when it matters most.

Signed OL to PS by the Denver Broncos gains depth by examining the player’s background and fit with the Broncos’ system. Hernandez, a 6-foot-2, 320-pound guard with six years of NFL experience, was originally a second-round pick by the New York Giants in 2018. Over his career, he has started 78 games at both left and right guard, showcasing the versatility the Broncos value in their offensive line depth. What makes Hernandez a particularly strong fit is his experience in a run-heavy scheme—something he honed during his time with the Arizona Cardinals (2022-2024), where he blocked for a rushing attack that averaged 120 yards per game. The Broncos’ offense, which relies heavily on J.K. Dobbins’ physical running style and play-action passes, requires guards who can both drive block in the run game and pass-protect effectively. Hernandez’s career grades support this fit: Pro Football Focus gave him a 72.3 run-blocking grade in 2024 and a 68.9 pass-blocking grade, both above the league average for guards. For the Broncos, signing Hernandez isn’t just about adding a body—it’s about bringing in a proven veteran who understands their scheme and can step in seamlessly if an active-roster lineman gets injured.

A critical factor in Signed OL to PS by the Denver Broncos is the timing and necessity of the move, rooted in the Broncos’ recent injury concerns. While the Broncos’ starting offensive line (left tackle Garett Bolles, left guard Ben Powers, center Lloyd Cushenberry III, right guard Quinn Meinerz, right tackle Mike McGlinchey) has remained relatively healthy this season, there have been scares: McGlinchey missed one game in Week 14 with an ankle sprain, and Powers sat out two practices in Week 16 with a shoulder tweak. In the playoffs, where the intensity ramps up and injuries are more common, having a reliable backup like Hernandez becomes invaluable. Practice squad linemen often serve dual roles: they mimic opposing teams’ offensive lines during scout-team drills (helping the defense prepare) and stand ready to be elevated to the active roster if needed. For the Broncos, Hernandez’s ability to play both guard spots is a key advantage—he can fill in for either Powers or Meinerz without requiring the team to shuffle the entire line. This flexibility is critical in the playoffs, where last-minute roster changes can disrupt rhythm. The Broncos’ coaching staff has already noted this value: offensive line coach Zach Strief told reporters, “Will brings experience and versatility—two things you can never have enough of this time of year. He’ll help us prepare each week and be ready if we need him.”

Signed OL to PS by the Denver Broncos is particularly significant for the Denver Broncos’ playoff preparation and scout-team work. One of the most underrated roles of practice squad players is their work on the scout team, where they replicate the schemes and tendencies of the Broncos’ upcoming opponents. For example, if the Broncos face the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game, Hernandez will likely mimic Ravens guard Kevin Zeitler—studying his blocking techniques, stance, and tendencies to help the Broncos’ defensive line prepare. This scout-team work is often the difference between a defense being caught off guard and being ready for every play. Additionally, Hernandez’s presence on the practice squad allows the Broncos’ active-roster linemen to get extra rest during practice—critical for avoiding fatigue and injuries in the playoffs. Bolles, who has played 95% of the Broncos’ offensive snaps this season, can step aside during certain drills knowing Hernandez will maintain the quality of practice. For the Denver Broncos, this balance between preparation and rest is essential: they need their starters fresh for the playoffs, but they also need their defense to be sharp. Hernandez’s addition helps achieve both goals, making the practice squad a key part of the team’s playoff strategy.

Another vital dimension of Signed OL to PS by the Denver Broncos is the broader strategy of building offensive line depth—a priority the Broncos have focused on since 2023. Over the past two seasons, the Broncos have invested heavily in their frontline: signing McGlinchey to a five-year, $87.5 million deal, extending Cushenberry III, and drafting guard Alex Forsyth in the seventh round of the 2025 draft. The move to sign Hernandez to the practice squad is an extension of this strategy: it ensures the Broncos aren’t caught short if injuries strike, and it provides a veteran mentor for younger linemen like Forsyth and rookie tackle Christian DiLauro. Hernandez has already embraced this mentorship role, working with Forsyth after practice to refine his pass-blocking technique. “Will has been great—he’s seen everything in this league,” Forsyth said in a recent interview. “He’ll pull me aside and point out little things, like how to read a blitz or adjust my stance. It’s like having a coach on the field.” For the Denver Broncos, this blend of depth and mentorship isn’t just about winning now—it’s about building a sustainable offensive line that can support the team’s success for years to come. By signing Hernandez, the Broncos are not only protecting their 2025 playoff run but also investing in the development of their future linemen.

Finally, Signed OL to PS by the Denver Broncos highlights the importance of practice squads in modern NFL success—a reality the Broncos have embraced under general manager George Paton. In today’s NFL, practice squads are no longer just for unproven rookies; they’re for veteran players who can provide immediate value, young talents being developed, and specialists who fill niche roles. The Broncos’ practice squad this season includes a mix of both: along with Hernandez, there’s rookie wide receiver Jalen Brown (a sixth-round pick in 2025), veteran safety Caden Sterns (who has played in 10 games this season), and kicker Parker White (a backup for Wil Lutz). This diversity ensures the Broncos can adapt to any situation—whether they need a receiver for special teams, a safety for depth, or an offensive lineman for scout-team work. For the Denver Broncos, the practice squad is a reflection of their overall roster philosophy: prioritize depth, value versatility, and never overlook the small moves that can make a big difference. As they head into the playoffs, the Broncos know that success often hinges on the players fans don’t see every week—the ones on the practice squad, working behind the scenes to prepare the team for victory. Signed OL to PS by the Denver Broncos wraps up with a simple truth: in the NFL, championships are won by teams that prepare for every scenario—and the Broncos are leaving no stone unturned.