Broncos Sign Te Wesley Duke To Active Roster; Waive S Marques Anderson

[ND Bronco Fan]

http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=338&storyID=4927

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos on Tuesday signed tight end Wesley Duke to their active roster, Head Coach Mike Shanahan announced. Duke, a rookie, was on the Broncos’ practice squad for the last five weeks.

The Broncos also on Tuesday waived safety Marques (MAR-kus) Anderson, who played six games and made four special-teams tackles for the team this season.

Duke (6-5, 225 pounds) signed with Denver as an undrafted free agent on April 26 and was inactive for the Broncos’ first four games of the season. He was waived on Oct. 8 before joining the Broncos’ practice squad on Oct. 10.

Duke was a four-year starter in basketball for Mercer University (Macon, Ga.), which does not compete in football and is a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference. In 116 career games (102 starts), Duke averaged 9.8 points per game and 5.9 rebounds per game while totaling a school-record 173 blocks and 104 steals.

As a senior in 2004, he ranked fifth in the conference in rebounding (7.2 rpg.), posted a team-high 40 blocks and averaged 11.5 points per game. Duke finished in fourth place in a nationally televised slam dunk contest held in conjunction with the 2005 NCAA Final Four.

Duke competed in football, basketball and track at Meadowcreek High School in Norcross, Ga., and was born June 21, 1981, in Grand Prairie, Texas.

[ND Bronco Fan]

Someone try signing him off the practice squad or does Brewster think he's ready to contribute?

[Blart]

Good question, and a curious choice. I thought Broncs needed more help on Safety, and were doing fine with TE's.

[GonzoLays]

Looks like Marques Anderson has an attitude problem. He asked for and was granted his release from the Raiders during the preseason and then he gets cut halfway through the year with us. Considering he has been a starter in this league for nearly three years, you have to think his attitude about being a backup was pretty piss poor. The reason he asked for his release from the Raiders was because they wanted him to be a backup.

[clint7]

My guess is someone came sniffing about Duke. I'm surprised it was Anderson who was waved and not that Abdullah dude.

[Clockwork Orange]

Welcome back Duke!

[Bronx33]

http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=338&storyID=4927

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos on Tuesday signed tight end Wesley Duke to their active roster, Head Coach Mike Shanahan announced. Duke, a rookie, was on the Broncos’ practice squad for the last five weeks.

The Broncos also on Tuesday waived safety Marques (MAR-kus) Anderson, who played six games and made four special-teams tackles for the team this season.

Duke (6-5, 225 pounds) signed with Denver as an undrafted free agent on April 26 and was inactive for the Broncos’ first four games of the season. He was waived on Oct. 8 before joining the Broncos’ practice squad on Oct. 10.

Duke was a four-year starter in basketball for Mercer University (Macon, Ga.), which does not compete in football and is a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference. In 116 career games (102 starts), Duke averaged 9.8 points per game and 5.9 rebounds per game while totaling a school-record 173 blocks and 104 steals.

As a senior in 2004, he ranked fifth in the conference in rebounding (7.2 rpg.), posted a team-high 40 blocks and averaged 11.5 points per game. Duke finished in fourth place in a nationally televised slam dunk contest held in conjunction with the 2005 NCAA Final Four.

Duke competed in football, basketball and track at Meadowcreek High School in Norcross, Ga., and was born June 21, 1981, in Grand Prairie, Texas.


Who is mike not happy with at the TE position?

[BigPlayShay]

Who is mike not happy with at the TE position?

Probably Nate Jackson. Looks like Mike Anderson doesn't have to have his full name on his jersey anymore...

[Play2win]

Nice to see a DUKE on the team again, even if its not THE DUKE... ;D

[listopencil]

I take that this means that Brandon is healthy and ready to go for the rest of the season.

[Dr. Broncenstein]

I take that this means that Brandon is healthy and ready to go for the rest of the season.

He played quite a bit last week... mainly special teams. I don't recall seeing the "big nickel" but he did make a nice tackle on a kick return.

[Ratboy]

There goes my Adopt-a-Bronco...

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Probably Nate Jackson. Looks like Mike Anderson doesn't have to have his full name on his jersey anymore...

Jackson is the new Hape, they'll never get rid of him.

[Play2win]

Jackson is the new Hape, they'll never get rid of him.
Yeah, except NATE actually HAS SKILLS (unlike Hape...)

[DarkHorse30]

Looks like Marques Anderson has an attitude problem. He asked for and was granted his release from the Raiders during the preseason and then he gets cut halfway through the year with us. Considering he has been a starter in this league for nearly three years, you have to think his attitude about being a backup was pretty piss poor. The reason he asked for his release from the Raiders was because they wanted him to be a backup.

I think Marques asked to leave from Oakland because Al was insisting Derrick Gibson start in front of him. Nearly every Raider fan I know absolutely HATED Gibson.....but he was one of Al's "guys". Now, since Gibson was injured, I bet Anderson asked Denver if he could go back.....and they said OK.

This is a little off topic but I saw Danny Clark on the Jim Rome show today and he looked like a straight up guy....wonder how long he lasts in Oakland if they don't fix their coaching situation?

[Broncoman13]

Yeah, except NATE actually HAS SKILLS (unlike Hape...)

Funny b/c I seem to remember Hape catching a few TD's every year. What has Nate done?

[Gcver2ver3]

Someone try signing him off the practice squad or does Brewster think he's ready to contribute?



Hopefully so....he could pose huge match-up advantages for us....

I imagine the biggest reason for the signing is because Nate Jackson's hamstring isn't healing like we had hoped

[eddie mac]

Good question, and a curious choice. I thought Broncs needed more help on Safety, and were doing fine with TE's.

Why would Denver need help at safety considering there's 4 on the active roster now Brandon has returned and Cox can play there too? There's more need at tight-end considering Jackson's still not 100% and although listed as a tackle Carswell is out for the year.

[Raider Bill]

I think Marques asked to leave from Oakland because Al was insisting Derrick Gibson start in front of him. Nearly every Raider fan I know absolutely HATED Gibson.....but he was one of Al's "guys". Now, since Gibson was injured, I bet Anderson asked Denver if he could go back.....and they said OK.

He looked like he had a piano on his back in preseason. Anderson was obtained as a despiration move when Gibson was injured last preseason. Neither is worth a damn, but Gibson is clearly the better player of the two.

This is a little off topic but I saw Danny Clark on the Jim Rome show today and he looked like a straight up guy....wonder how long he lasts in Oakland if they don't fix their coaching situation?

Watch this http://www.youtube.com/watch.php?v=D06z9uC5bDM

Turner is as good as gone... HORRAY

[Play2win]

Funny b/c I seem to remember Hape catching a few TD's every year. What has Nate done?
Been Injured... ::)

But he is still more than twice the pass-catcher than Hape will ever be.

[Play2win]

I hope that in the near future, between NATE and DUKE we can have two (fairly) dynamic pass-catching TEs to drive this offense. I feel TEs are nearly as important as RBs to drive Mike Shanahan's Offensive Scheme. Hopefully these two really pan out. ;D

[yavoon]

I hope that in the near future, between NATE and DUKE we can have two (fairly) dynamic pass-catching TEs to drive this offense. I feel TEs are nearly as important as RBs to drive Mike Shanahan's Offensive Scheme. Hopefully these two really pan out. ;D

given up on putzier? no1 has any faith in putzier. has he bombed? I mean ppl were pimping him last year, big play guy. same measurables as shockey I heard once. now ppl act like we never signed him to that large contract.

[GreatBronco16]

Been Injured... ::)

But he is still more than twice the pass-catcher than Hape will ever be.


I don't know about catching the ball, Hape had some pretty good hands. Now after the catch? Yeah, Hape is very very slow.

I'm just glad that Duke is back on the active roster. Hopefully he gets some playing time, and with his height, the high throws from Plummer to the TE should hit him right in the gut.

[Ray Finkle]

given up on putzier? no1 has any faith in putzier. has he bombed? I mean ppl were pimping him last year, big play guy. same measurables as shockey I heard once. now ppl act like we never signed him to that large contract.


that is the #1 reason I would have traded him to the Jets. He has measurables but not IT....hopefully Duke does...

[Rascal]

I think this move signals that Brandon is back to full health. Not sure why you guys think Putzier is a bust. The guy has performed well this year, not his fault that there are 4 other guys on the field who can catch the ball just as well. He is not going to get the production of Gates or Shockey because they have/had plays called specifically for them. We don't do that here. Jake has his progressions and hot reads and sometimes Putzier gets the ball, other times not. As long as he continues to improve on his blocking I'll be happy with him.

[GreatBronco16]

I think this move signals that Brandon is back to full health. Not sure why you guys think Putzier is a bust. The guy has performed well this year, not his fault that there are 4 other guys on the field who can catch the ball just as well. He is not going to get the production of Gates or Shockey because they have/had plays called specifically for them. We don't do that here. Jake has his progressions and hot reads and sometimes Putzier gets the ball, other times not. As long as he continues to improve on his blocking I'll be happy with him.


Putz has also taken some hits that I don't see any other WR or TE on this team taking and getting back up from. Putz is a baller and I wish we was more involved in the passing game.

[SoCalBronco]

given up on putzier? no1 has any faith in putzier. has he bombed? I mean ppl were pimping him last year, big play guy. same measurables as shockey I heard once. now ppl act like we never signed him to that large contract.

I like the Putz alot. I think he is going to be a good one. He hasnt busted out like I thought he might this year but he has been a quality contributor. And by the way yavoon, 12.5 million over 5 years is not a "large" contract despite TEs on average not being paid as much as the sexier positions.

[Jetmeck]

given up on putzier? no1 has any faith in putzier. has he bombed? I mean ppl were pimping him last year, big play guy. same measurables as shockey I heard once. now ppl act like we never signed him to that large contract.

He is easy to forget about, he disappears so often.:~ohyah!:

[watermock]

We needed a 9th TE...

[Play2win]

I don't know about catching the ball, Hape had some pretty good hands. Now after the catch? Yeah, Hape is very very slow.

Well, Hape benefitted from beautiful set-up play calling by Shanahan. NATE, from what I understand, has been catching about anything thrown his way...

If he could just get on the field, and stay on it...

[ludo21]

This is great News!! This either means Duke is ready to contribute (which would be great) or a team came sniffing (still good caz that means he does have skills) and this means Brandon is ready for the second half of the season ( Need him for the SD/Chefs game)

WOOOOOOOOOO :charge:

[DomCasual]

Looks like Marques Anderson has an attitude problem. He asked for and was granted his release from the Raiders during the preseason and then he gets cut halfway through the year with us. Considering he has been a starter in this league for nearly three years, you have to think his attitude about being a backup was pretty piss poor. The reason he asked for his release from the Raiders was because they wanted him to be a backup.
I don't know. Marques Anderson was never anything but a band-aid. I don't think he was ever in the long-term plans.

That being said, I bet there was interest somewhere in Duke. We've got a lot of TEs - especially when you consider Leach in the equation. It just doesn't seem to make a lot of sense to pull the trigger now, unless they knew he was about to be signed elsewhere.

Either way, adios Marques - we hardly knew ye.

[Needa Pass Rush]

http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=338&storyID=4927

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos on Tuesday signed tight end Wesley Duke to their active roster, Head Coach Mike Shanahan announced. Duke, a rookie, was on the Broncos’ practice squad for the last five weeks.

The Broncos also on Tuesday waived safety Marques (MAR-kus) Anderson, who played six games and made four special-teams tackles for the team this season.

Duke (6-5, 225 pounds) signed with Denver as an undrafted free agent on April 26 and was inactive for the Broncos’ first four games of the season. He was waived on Oct. 8 before joining the Broncos’ practice squad on Oct. 10.

Duke was a four-year starter in basketball for Mercer University (Macon, Ga.), which does not compete in football and is a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference. In 116 career games (102 starts), Duke averaged 9.8 points per game and 5.9 rebounds per game while totaling a school-record 173 blocks and 104 steals.

As a senior in 2004, he ranked fifth in the conference in rebounding (7.2 rpg.), posted a team-high 40 blocks and averaged 11.5 points per game. Duke finished in fourth place in a nationally televised slam dunk contest held in conjunction with the 2005 NCAA Final Four.

Duke competed in football, basketball and track at Meadowcreek High School in Norcross, Ga., and was born June 21, 1981, in Grand Prairie, Texas.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh... Duke, The Missing link! Must be showing his inner beast in practice. !Booya!

[Atlas]

Funny b/c I seem to remember Hape catching a few TD's every year. What has Nate done?

Yeah Hape was great at catching those 2 yard passes.

[Paladin]

I don't know if this has anything to contribute, but I heard Madden say last night that teams are using TEs instead of Fullbacks in their gameplans and plays. I think he said that TEs had greater flexibility, and usually could block and catch and all those things. I think he said the FBs were becoming extinct. Interesting.

[Atlas]

I don't know if this has anything to contribute, but I heard Madden say last night that teams are using TEs instead of Fullbacks in their gameplans and plays. I think he said that TEs had greater flexibility, and usually could block and catch and all those things. I think he said the FBs were becoming extinct. Interesting.

TE sets are becoming more common But Denver will always use a FB. With Denver's system a lead blocker is a must so the TB can read the holes easier. TE's don't make good FBS because they are too big and not nimble enough to run between the tackles.

[ludo21]

I don't know if this has anything to contribute, but I heard Madden say last night that teams are using TEs instead of Fullbacks in their gameplans and plays. I think he said that TEs had greater flexibility, and usually could block and catch and all those things. I think he said the FBs were becoming extinct. Interesting.


*cough* *cough* madden's stupid *cough*

TE's are being used more, but FB's are still a lot for teams that choose to use them.

The H-back role is really being bought on by most teams tho, i agree to that.

[Kaylore]

I suspect this has something to do with Brandon getting healthy and special teams play.

[DennisSmithHOF]

I saw in the paper today that the 49ers signed a TE and waived a TE I think. I wonder if it was them that came sniffing around.

[x123z]

The article said it was the Jets and Saints that had been sniffing around Duke.

[BroncoInferno]

Yeah, except NATE actually HAS SKILLS (unlike Hape...)

And never contributes (unlike Hape did)...

[ND Bronco Fan]

The article said it was the Jets and Saints that had been sniffing around Duke.

Saw that too............What is it with the Jets and our TE's?

[royr17]

The Broncos are hopin he turns into another Tony Gonzalez or Antonio Gates ...

[broncosteven]

I still think that it is taking longer for Brewster to "Burn-in" with the TE's I would be disappointed if Putz didn't have a breakout year next year after getting more comfortable with Brew's teachings & if Duke pushing if real deal.

I kinda wonder if Shanny wanted Anderson on our team just to keep him away from the raiders for a game. He had his 2 good games last year against us then disappeared.

[Ray Finkle]

TE sets are becoming more common But Denver will always use a FB. With Denver's system a lead blocker is a must so the TB can read the holes easier. TE's don't make good FBS because they are too big and not nimble enough to run between the tackles.


is it just me or do you have of you actually miss what Atlas types because of Kyla?

[Sprout]

Yeah Hape was great at catching those 2 yard passes.

Maybe a one-trick pony, but the trick always worked. I can't begrudge the guy for that.

[cabronco]

I sure hope Shanny gives him some time on the playing field. He looked pretty good in pre-season, but there's nothing like real game time experience. I think dude had big ups !! :charge:

[Ray Finkle]

I sure hope Shanny gives him some time on the playing field. He looked pretty good in pre-season, but there's nothing like real game time experience. I think dude had big ups !! :charge:


I thought he looked very poo stick like in the preseason....had flashes here and there but looked clueless for the most part.

[BroncoBuff]

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos on Tuesday waived safety Marques (MAR-kus) Anderson, who played six games and made four special-teams tackles for the team this season.
Well . . . at least the back of Mike Anderson's jersey won't look like a reading test anymore . . . :o

[BroncoBuff]

Maybe a one-trick pony, but the trick always worked. I can't begrudge the guy for that.
You're right, Sprout. Patrick Hape 2-yd TD catch = First TD ever at Invesco.

Welcome to the OrangeMane . . . great avatar!

[Smiling Assassin27]

gotta love it when someone asks, 'so, what's this Duke kid done?' and Shanny comes back with, 'In 116 career games (102 starts), Duke averaged 9.8 points per game and 5.9 rebounds per game while totaling a school-record 173 blocks and 104 steals.'

[BroncoBuff]

gotta love it when someone asks, 'so, what's this Duke kid done?' and Shanny comes back with, 'In 116 career games (102 starts), Duke averaged 9.8 points per game and 5.9 rebounds per game while totaling a school-record 173 blocks and 104 steals.'
:laugh: LOL :~ohyah!: I missed that!