Broncos' Cuts Cap Injury-Riddled Training Camp, Preseason

The Denver Broncos' moves to reach the 53-player limit included more than a few reminders of the team's injury-filled training camp and preseason.

Pass-rushing linebacker Elvis Dumervil and running back LenDale White were both placed on season-ending injured reserve in a blow to units on both sides of the ball.

The Broncos had held out some hope that Dumervil, whose team-record 17 sacks led the NFL last season, would be able to return from a torn pectoral muscle in December but ultimately, after consulting with doctors and the player himself, decided Dumervil would be better off taking a full year to recuperate. Dumervil tore the pectoral muscle during a 1-on-1 pass-rushing drill in the first week of training camp.

White, who was signed in early August after injuries to the team's top two running backs, ruptured his Achilles' tendon in Thursday night's preseason finale at Minnesota. The Broncos initially hoped the injury was a sprained ankle but later learned it was more serious. White is scheduled to undergo surgery Tuesday, according to multiple news reports, and plans to come back next season.

In a separate move, the Broncos placed defensive end Ben Garland on the reserve/military list to allow them to retain his rights while he serves his Air Force commitment.

Meanwhile, tight end Marquez Branson was released with a settlement after suffering a knee injury in the exhibition finale. The Broncos also acquired tight end Dan Gronkowski from the Detroit Lions in return for cornerback Alphonso Smith as part of a trade at a position where the team's depth is being severely tested.

Smith and Gronkowski were both second-round picks a year ago, though neither had made an impact with the teams that drafted them.

Among the 10 players released by Denver was defensive end Jarvis Green, who is still owed $3.2 million after signing a free agent deal with the Broncos in the spring.

Outside linebacker Darrell Reid, who is still recovering from offseason knee surgery, was waived.

Also released were linebackers Kevin Alexander and Worrell Williams along with wide receiver Britt Davis, tight end Riar Greer, safety Kyle McCarthy, defensive lineman Jeff Stehle and offensive lineman Seth Olsen, a fourth-round pick out of Iowa last year. There is a chance some of the players could be brought back in the next couple of days as the Broncos form their practice squad.