Broncos Activate Dre Greenlaw, Release Sam Ehlinger

Dre Greenlaw was activated from injured reserve and is expected to make his Broncos regular-season debut Sunday against the New York Giants, though coaches say he will have a limited role and likely split reps with Justin Strnad and Alex Singleton. Greenlaw signed a three-year, $31.5 million contract last March after six seasons with San Francisco and moved from limited practice participation to a full practice on Friday after being designated for return earlier this week. To open a 53-man roster spot for Greenlaw, the Broncos released veteran quarterback Sam Ehlinger on Friday; Ehlinger did not appear in a game this season and the team plans to re-sign him to the practice squad. Denver also made additional practice-squad moves, releasing defensive back A.J. Woods and resolving wide receiver Thayer Thomas’ practice-squad injured-list settlement. Broncos coaches emphasized a cautious ramp-up for Greenlaw as he returns to game action and restores leadership to the linebacker room.