Broncos roster: DL Eyioma Uwazurike (No. 96) enters Year 2 post-suspension

USA Today

2 days ago

Broncos Wire's 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at fourth-year defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike, No. 96.
Before the Broncos: Uwazurike (6-6, 316 pounds) got on NFL scouts' radar in 2019 after receiving an honorable mention All-Big 12 notice. He totaled 32 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks in 13 starts for the Cyclone that season.
For an encore, Uwazurike earned an honorable mention notice again in 2020. Last season, he earned a first-team honors, posting 42 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and nine sacks in 13 games (10 starts).
Broncos tenure: Uwazurike was selected by the Denver Broncos in the fourth round (122nd overall) in the 2022 NFL draft. In 2022, Uwazurike spent most of the season on the practice squad before playing in eight games in the latter half of the year, where he was credited with 17 total tackles (11 solo, six assisted) and one pass deflection.
In 2023, Uwazurike hit a rocky patch when he was suspended indefinitely by the NFL for gambling on NFL games, teammates and college football games that he participated in. As a result, he did not participate or have contact with the Broncos during 2023.
In 2024, Uwazurike was reinstated by the league, and was given a second chance at life as a football player. Uwazurike had a comeback season, playing in four games, making 11 total tackles (three solo, eight assisted) and .5 sacks.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: Backup or practice squad player. Uwazurike has faced his share of adversity, much of it self-inflicted. Now, he will be locked in a battle for being a backup with rookie Sai'vion Jones and Matt Henningsen. It remains to be seen who will win the battle.
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