The Denver Broncos’ offense appeared flat in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks, with first-round QB Bo Nix managing just 3.3 yards per pass and throwing two interceptions on 42 attempts.
Looking for solutions, the Broncos have promoted former Kansas City Chiefs fullback Michael Burton to their 53-man roster ahead of their Week 2 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Burton, who played for the Chiefs in 2021 and 2022 before Kansas City phased out the fullback position, had moved on to Denver in 2023 but was placed on the practice squad. Now, he’s back on the active roster full-time.
During his Chiefs tenure, the former Rutgers standout had 13 carries for 33 yards and a touchdown, along with five catches for 42 yards. Primarily a blocker, Burton played a key role in supporting the run game. His first year in Denver saw limited action, with only seven carries for nine yards. However, with the Broncos’ quick-passing offense, he could play a role in protecting Nix in tight formations.
While Burton isn’t expected to turn the Broncos’ offense into a powerhouse, the team hopes he can contribute. The bigger question remains whether head coach Sean Payton can determine if Bo Nix is a legitimate NFL starting quarterback. So far, Week 1 didn’t inspire much confidence.
Although there’s time for improvement, it’s clear that the AFC West still belongs to Kansas City, with no serious challengers yet emerging.
