Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton has done this for a long time.
And his new tight end, Marcedes Lewis, has as well.
The Broncos officially added the 41-year-old to their practice squad on Wednesday, and he could see game action soon depending on how hurt tight end Nate Adkins is. Adkins didn’t take the field with Denver at practice.
Payton got asked about taking a shot on Lewis and had a whole bunch of nice things to say about the veteran.
“I knew he had been training, I know he’s in great shape. And he’s a tremendous blocker,” Sean Payton said. “We brought him in for a workout, brought him onto our practice squad. I’m glad he’s here, he’s a tremendous leader.”
Lewis made his NFL debut in 2006 with the Jaguars and also has spent time with the Packers and Bears. He has 437 catches for more than 5,000 yards and 40 touchdowns.
“He’s been in the league long enough that the reports have just been unbelievable anywhere he’s been. Jacksonville, Green Bay, Chicago so it’s good to have him here,” Payton said.
And Sean Payton is most excited about the ability of Lewis to be a blocker. He could have a reception here or there, but Payton said he thinks Lewis could play in the league 14 years from now.
“I think he’s obsessed with taking care of himself, that has a lot to do with it. He’s been training two times a day, you can see that he’s in shape,” Payton said. “I think when he’s 55 he’s gonna be able to block the d-gap.”
We’ll see if Lewis is elevated from the practice squad for Sunday’s game against the Texans, but it’s clear he’s got a big fan in Sean Payton. This isn’t just some feel good story, as Payton thinks Lewis can help the Broncos win.
And with a 6-2 record and riding a five-game winning streak, Denver’s been doing that a lot so far this season.