Kapri Bibbs kept his options open.
When the Broncos promoted Jeremy Stewart in front of him last week, Bibbs took advantage of his brief free agency to try out for the Arizona Cardinals on Tuesday. The Cardinals signed veteran Michael Bush. That will lead Bibbs back to the Broncos’ practice squad, according to NFL sources.
Bibbs spent the season’s first seven weeks there. It was always a viable alternative after Denver waived him over the weekend.
Bibbs believes he can play in the NFL, exuding confidence and talent befitting a pro running back. He auditioned for the Cardinals to try and land a 53-man roster spot. The Broncos wanted him back, and it fell their way.
Despite their NFC-best 9-2 record, the Cardinals need help on the ground. Arizona owns the second-fewest rushing yards this season (862) with a league-worst 3.1 yards per attempt. Bush, 30, played 13 games with the Bears a year ago as a short-yardage back.
Bibbs impressed the Broncos with his practices during the first two months. Denver elevated him to its active roster on Oct. 20 after the Buffalo Bills made a play to sign him.
Bibbs, a rookie, stayed with the Broncos at that time because of his growing comfort in the offense. It is why he could come back if unable to land a 53-man job.
“I don’t have to think as much, I know I can do my thing out there now,” Bibbs said last Friday. “It’s about having that confidence.”
Bibbs, 5-foot-11, 203 pounds, rushed for 84 yards and a team-high three touchdowns on 19 carries during the preseason for the Broncos.
Plan for Trevathan After twice injuring his left knee, weakside linebacker Danny Trevathan will work back gradually this week. He’s eligible to return from the injured reserve when the Broncos travel to San Diego on Dec. 14.
“We won’t give him a lot of work because we’re not getting him game ready yet,” coach John Fox said. “He hasn’t played football for a while. He will participate in individual drills and probably some scout-team work just to get him back into playing shape.”
Charles in charge When the Broncos topped the Chiefs in September, Jamaal Charles became a spectator. He injured his ankle in the first quarter, and finished with four yards on two carries. He has regained star status and creates difficult matchups for the Broncos.
“He’s good with space,” Broncos cornerback Chris Harris said. “When they throw him the ball, he’s one of their top receiver threats because they throw a lot of screens with him.”
