The Denver Broncos waived offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton on Saturday as a corresponding move after signing center Sam Mustipher from the Los Angeles Chargers' practice squad. Throckmorton, a 29-year-old swing lineman, had appeared in 12 games this season. Mustipher joins as backup to Alex Forsyth, who is filling in for injured starter Luke Wattenberg.
The Denver Broncos made a roster adjustment ahead of their season finale by waiving offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton from their 53-man roster. This action cleared space after the team added center Sam Mustipher, acquired off the Los Angeles Chargers' practice squad.
Throckmorton, an undrafted free agent who joined the Broncos in 2024, had played in 12 games primarily as a versatile interior lineman. He was initially released during August's final cuts, then re-signed to the practice squad and elevated to the active roster twice—on October 14 and December 25. Head coach Sean Payton praised his contributions in November, stating, "The offensive line is doing a good job. ‘Throck’ is doing a good job at guard."
At 29 years old, Throckmorton is anticipated to return to the practice squad if he clears waivers. The Broncos already have interior linemen Nash Jones and Joe Michalski on their taxi squad. Separately, running back Cody Schrader cleared waivers following his recent release by the team.
Mustipher brings veteran experience to Denver's offensive line. He entered the NFL in 2019, spending his first four seasons with the Chicago Bears, followed by a year with the Baltimore Ravens. In 2024, he had a brief stint with the Broncos and subsequent practice squad roles. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 306 pounds, Mustipher has appeared in 64 career games with 43 starts—40 for Chicago, two for Baltimore, and one for the Chargers.
He will serve as the direct backup to center Alex Forsyth, who has stepped in for Luke Wattenberg. Wattenberg landed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury and cannot return until the Divisional Round of the playoffs, should the Broncos advance. Forsyth earned a game ball for his strong performance in the recent victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, playing all 72 offensive snaps without allowing any quarterback pressures or sacks. Payton highlighted Forsyth's resilience, saying, "I'll tell you what was pretty impressive. Alex came in and played really well, got a game ball. It was a tough trip home last year. It's a little life lesson, for someone like him, to come back in a starting role."