Broncos sign RB Deuce Vaughn to practice squad

A week after the Broncos worked out Deuce Vaughn, he was signed Tuesday to their practice squad.

Vaughn’s agent, Jovan Barnes, had told The Denver Gazette earlier on Tuesday that a deal had been reached on the 5-foot-6 running back. He takes the practice squad spot of quarterback Sam Ehlinger, signed last Saturday to the 53-man roster.

Vaughn was a sixth-round pick by Dallas in 2023 out of Kansas State after rushing for 1,404 and 1,558 yards in his final two seasons with the Wildcats. He carried 40 times for 110 yards in two seasons with the Cowboys before being waived late last month.

“He’s a hard worker,’’ Barnes said. “There could be a connection (with the Broncos). … I was excited when they expressed their interest and now it’s up to Deuce to do what he does. … He’s a great player and a great young man.”

Dallas Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn (42) carries the ball during a preseason NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)

Vaughn worked out with the Broncos on Sept. 2, but they elected then to sign wide receiver Thayer Thomas to the practice squad. However, Barnes remained confident the Denver would circle back with Vaughn.

“Deuce is going to do whatever it takes,’’ Barnes said. “He’s just that kind of kid. He’ll make himself an added value to the team.”

Vaughn becomes the fifth Denver running back available for practice. The Broncos have four on the 53-man roster in J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey, Tyler Badie and Jaleel McLaughlin.

Dobbins started in last Sunday’s 20-12 win over Tennessee in the opener and had 16 carries for 63 yards, while Harvey had six attempts for 70 yards. Badie had no carries and two catches for 16 yards.

McLaughlin was inactive for the game, with one reason perhaps being related to special teams. Badie was used for 14 snaps on special teams against the Titans, while McLaughlin, in his third season, had just three such snaps for all of 2024.

Broncos work out four

The Broncos on Tuesday worked out four players, but one is now off the board.

A source said defensive end K.J. Henry will sign with Cleveland’s practice squad. He has played in 14 NFL regular-season games.

The Broncos also worked out linebacker Kingsley Jonathan, who has played in 20 NFL games, linebacker Benton Whitley, who has appeared in six, and linebacker Mitchell Agude, who has played in four.

A source said Whitley plans to work out later this week with the Titans.

Surtain lauds Hufanga

In 2022, both cornerback Pat Surtain II and safety Talanoa Hufanga were named first-team All-Pro. Surtain is thrilled they are now on the same team.

Hufanga, who earned his All-Pro nod while with San Francisco, signed as a free agent with Denver last March after four years with the 49ers. In his Broncos debut against Tennessee, he had 10 tackles and forced a fumble.

“It was pretty cool to see him,’’ said Surtain, who last season earned his second career first-team All-Pro nod and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year. “It was like he was running around with his hair on fire, making plays, flying around, creating turnovers, making impact plays. That’s what we brought him here for.”

Briefly

Head coach Sean Payton said Monday about linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who suffered a quad injury in a July 31 practice and sat out the Broncos’ three preseason games and their opener: “You’re going to see him sooner than later.’’ A source told The Denver Gazette last Saturday that Greenlaw would be out “not long” and “there’s a chance” he could play Sunday at Indianapolis. … After giving up just 133 yards to the Titans, the Broncos lead the NFL in defense but Jordan Jackson said there is still plenty of work to be done. “We had a good game, but there’s always room for improvement,’’ said Jackson, a defensive lineman who played at Air Force. “There’s some stuff to work on.” … The Broncos opened as a 3.5-point favorite over the Colts, coming off a 33-8 home win over Miami. But the line has dropped to 2.5 points.