Broncos Release Safety Taylor Rapp
Denver cuts the defensive back who had started three games this season while Talanoa Hufanga nurses an ankle injury.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Football
The Denver Broncos released safety Taylor Rapp on Friday. Rapp had started the season on the practice squad, started three games on defense, and was elevated to the active roster before his third start in Week 8.
Why it matters
The move comes as the Broncos manage their safety depth with Talanoa Hufanga listed as questionable. Hufanga's status will shape how Denver's secondary lines up against the Carolina Panthers in Week 9.
Rapp was elevated to the active roster before his third start in Week 8 and spent roughly three weeks covering Hufanga's duties. Key and Anderson have four combined NFL starts between them.
The players
Taylor Rapp
Taylor Rapp is a veteran NFL safety who started three games for the Broncos this season after beginning on the practice squad.
Talanoa Hufanga
Talanoa Hufanga is a two-time All-Pro safety whose ankle injury opened snaps for backups in Denver's secondary.
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are an NFL franchise based in Denver, Colorado, that plays its home games at Empower Field at Mile High.
The details
Taylor Rapp covered Talanoa Hufanga's duties alongside Brandon Jones while Hufanga dealt with an ankle injury over the past few weeks. Hufanga, a two-time All-Pro safety, did not practice Wednesday and was limited Thursday before being listed as questionable.
Timeline
Week 8: Rapp is elevated to the active roster before his third start.
Friday: The Broncos release Rapp.
Week 9: Denver plays the Carolina Panthers, with Hufanga expected to play.
Roadmap
Rapp's path from the practice squad to three starts and a release follows the NFL's practice squad elevation system, which lets teams borrow players for short stretches during injuries. Denver's move suggests the Broncos are managing depth one roster spot at a time as Hufanga's health decides the safety rotation.
Fantasy managers who rostered Rapp or Hufanga should watch Hufanga's Week 9 status before setting lineups. With Rapp gone, Key and Anderson are the likely options for snaps if Hufanga cannot go.
The takeaway
Injuries and short-term roster moves can quickly reshape a defensive backfield, so check the injury report before each game. Following the official team transaction log helps track when practice-squad players are elevated or released.
What happens next
Hufanga's status for the Week 9 game against the Carolina Panthers will determine how Denver's safety depth is used.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster moves, see Denver Football coverage.
