Todd Davis

Davis spent the first two weeks out of the league after getting cut from the Broncos last year. There was also a stint on the reserve/COVID-19 list, limiting him to 11 games. When healthy, Davis held his own in six starts for the Vikings, posting 35 tackles and grading out positively against the run. With Blake Martinez and Reggie Ragland sidelined, Davis will be part of a rotation with Lorenzo Carter and second-year LB Tae Crowder.

Davis is out for at least Sunday's game with the Packers. The Vikings will start rookie Troy Dye in base sets.

Davis started 59 games for Denver over the last four seasons but was entering the final year of his contract and suffered a calf injury during camp. His release saves the Broncos $4.5 million against the cap. Davis was Pro Football Focus' No. 20 off-ball linebacker out of 57 qualifiers who played at least 50% of the snaps last season, seeing positive marks for his run defense. The 28-year-old should get another chance elsewhere. This was probably more about money. Denver has Mark Barron, Alexander Johnson, Joe Jones, and newly-acquired Austin Calitro as options at the position.

“It's nowhere near the calf injury he had last year,” said Fangio. “I think we'll see him out there sooner than later.” The Denver Channel’s Troy Renck thinks Davis could return to practice next week. The Broncos have been giving Josey Jewell first-team reps with Davis out.