Kapri Bibbs’ time on the active roster was short-lived.
The Broncos waived the former Colorado State running back Monday and re-signed tight end Richard Gordon, who was initially let go to clear a spot for Bibbs.
Bibbs was involved in 19 special-teams plays Sunday at Cleveland, returning one kickoff for 15 yards.
The Broncos hope to be able to bring Bibbs back on the practice squad after he clears waivers.
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Barrett named DPOW
Shaquil Barrett’s first NFL start was as good as perhaps any player could hope for.
Stepping in for the injured DeMarcus Ware (back) on Sunday, Barrett recorded nine tackles, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one pass defensed.
His performance earned him the Broncos’ defensive player of the week honors.
“I think everybody knew we had a guy that was a surprise, who had done a lot of good things and that they thought could be a good player,” coach Gary Kubiak said. “Then when we got him to the minicamp, he just kept showing up. It’s fun to watch stuff like that. It’s fun to watch those guys become pros and gain confidence.”
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Too many turnovers
Kubiak said after Sunday’s game that the Broncos’ offensive struggles have posed a challenge for him, not reason for frustration.
On Monday, he reaffirmed his committment to making Peyton Manning more comfortable in the offense while also finding ways to make the running backs more effective.
“First off, I’m going to do what I think we’re doing is best for the quarterback,” Kubiak said. “I would never do anything that I don’t think is best for the quarterback. That’s my plan every day I go to work.”
Although the Broncos showed flashes of improvement from the offensive line and in the run game, turnovers remain a sticking point. Manning was intercepted three times by the Browns, one of which was returned for a score.
“There is no skating around the fact that we’re turning the ball over too much,” Kubiak said. “He and I have got to get that improved, and we will. That’s important for our team.”
More time for Hillman
Ronnie Hillman’s 111 rushing yards on 20 carries (5.6 average) on Sunday gave the Broncos’ offense a much-needed boost. The run game had previously been stagnant, if nonexistent, save for Hillman’s 72-yard touchdown run in Week 4.
Although Kubiak is hoping for more consistency in the run game, Hillman’s ability to find his creases and move upfield landed him more opportunities in the future.
“Ronnie just keeps plugging. He’s got some speed, when we’re right and things are right, to get the ball to the edge and do some good things,” Kubiak said, adding that he has “earned the right to go out on the field more and touch the ball.”
