According to 9NEWS Denver's Mike Klis, Broncos reserve linebacker Levelle Bailey suffered a break in his lower leg during Friday's game vs. the Falcons. He will undergo surgery on his leg and will miss extensive time due to this injury, according to Klis.
This is a devastating development for Bailey, who was competing for a spot on the Broncos' 53-man roster this summer. They have two roster spots open behind starters Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad, and Bailey was pushing for one of those spots, or at the very least, competing for a spot on the Broncos' practice squad. Now, he will be sidelined for a significant amount of time and could be looking at a season-ending injured reserve stint.
Bailey joined the team back in 2024 as an undrafted free agent and has been with the team since then. He has bounced on and off the Broncos' active roster/practice squad and has given the team valuable depth at the linebacker position.
With Bailey now sidelined for a significant amount of time, the Broncos' depth at linebacker has taken a hit. Jordan Turner has been sidelined for most of camp and did not play vs. the Falcons, but he should be nearing a return soon. Rookie Red Murdock led the team in tackles on Friday, while Karene Reid made an incredible diving PBU that led to a Jahdae Barron pick-6 touchdown. Undrafted rookie Taurean York also made some plays late in the game, but still, we could see the Broncos add some depth and competition to this room, especially after losing Bailey for a significant amount of time.
The Broncos have a handful of training camp practices remaining, as well as two more preseason games, so there still is plenty of time for this roster battle to figure itself out. Still, this is a tough break for Bailey, who was a contender for one of these roster spots, or at the very least, a member of the Broncos' practice squad.
