Former Nebraska football star Garrett Nelson has another lease on his NFL life, thanks in no small part to the Denver Broncos' defense suffering a couple of preseason injuries. And now that he's gotten another chance to show a team what he can do, there is an outside chance that he could make the 53-man roster.
Nelson signed a training camp deal with the Denver Broncos earlier this month. The signing came as the Broncos placed rookie outside linebacker Johnny Walker on injured reserve. The former Husker has yet to crack an NFL game day roster after preseason stints with the Miami Dolphins in 2023 and the Cincinnati Bengals last season. He most recently played for the UFL's San Antonio Brahmas, recording 15 tackles, one tackle for loss, and a forced fumble in eight games in 2025.
Broncos injuries opens door for ex-Nebraska football star Garrett Nelson
In two preseason games, the former Nebraska football star has been a disruptive force off the edge, recording 3 quarterback hurries and 3 tackles. According to PFF he's put together a very impressive 85.3 overall rating and is impressing onlookers as he works towards the end of the preseason.
#UFLtoNFL: Is former @XFLBrahmas EDGE Garrett Nelson making a legit case for himself with the #Broncos?@gnelson763 has totaled 4 tackles, 3 QB Pressures, 0.5 sacks; & an outstanding 85.3 Defensive Grade (via PFF).
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) August 17, 2025
The Nebraska product has spent two years in the #UFL already. pic.twitter.com/2SHA4pfuOU
Just how Garrett Nelson might fit onto the Broncos is still a very open question. It's not clear if he indeed will be the replacement on the active roster for Walker or whether Denver might go looking for a more established veteran.
For now, the former Nebraska football star has another couple of weeks to convince the NFL team that he's worthy of keeping around. Should he do it, it would be hte first time he's made a roster during the regular season.