Broncos to Elevate Schrader and Rapp for Chiefs Game
The Denver Broncos will pull two players from their practice squad ahead of the Week 8 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Do you prefer your local sports team sign experienced veterans over developing young prospects?
The Denver Broncos are set to elevate running back Cody Schrader and safety Taylor Rapp from the practice squad for the Week 8 game on October 30, 2026. This move follows injuries sidelining running back RJ Harvey and safety Talanoa Hufanga for the upcoming contest.
Why it matters
The roster moves are necessitated by injuries to key contributors RJ Harvey and Talanoa Hufanga, forcing the team to lean on its depth to maintain defensive and offensive stability. These elevations provide critical cover as the Broncos prepare for a competitive divisional matchup against the Chiefs.
Taylor Rapp enters the game with 496 career total tackles and 12 interceptions across 72 games started. Meanwhile, Cody Schrader has logged two career touches resulting in 9 rushing yards.
The players
Taylor Rapp
The 28-year-old safety previously won a Super Bowl in 2021 after being selected 61st overall in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Cody Schrader
The running back is a 2024 draft prospect looking to contribute after recording limited action in his early career.
RJ Harvey
The running back has been ruled out of the upcoming contest due to a knee injury.
Talanoa Hufanga
The safety will not participate in the Week 8 game following an ankle injury.
Brandon Jones
The safety is currently listed as questionable to play for the Broncos in their upcoming game.
The details
Under NFL rules, teams are permitted to elevate practice squad players to the active roster a maximum of three times before being required to sign them to the full 53-man roster. The Broncos are managing these roster constraints while also monitoring the status of safety Brandon Jones, who is listed as questionable for the game.
Timeline
The roster elevation was reported on October 30, 2026.
The matchup against the Chiefs takes place during Week 8, 2026.
Season Trajectory
These roster moves highlight the importance of depth as the team navigates injury cycles during a critical stretch of the regular season. Maintaining competitive balance while managing the cap and roster limits is essential as the Broncos look to solidify their standing in the playoff race.
The absence of RJ Harvey and Talanoa Hufanga shifts the workload to the backfield and secondary, making these elevations key factors for rotation management. Fans and fantasy managers should monitor the usage rates of incoming players to assess potential changes in game-day efficiency.
The takeaway
Injuries often serve as a catalyst for depth players to prove their value when elevated from the practice squad. Adapting to these changes is a fundamental aspect of maintaining momentum throughout an NFL season.
Further reading
For more news on the team, visit the Denver Football section.
Live Poll
Do you prefer your local sports team sign experienced veterans over developing young prospects?
