PAT GRAHAM
AP Sports Writer
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Running back Kapri Bibbs’ big break is rather bittersweet since his good buddy and former Colorado State teammate was released to make room.
The Denver Broncos rookie was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster after Buffalo tried to sign him to bolster its injury-riddled backfield.
To clear space, though, Denver had to cut linebacker Shaquil Barrett, who was just added to the active roster last week.
If Barrett clears waivers, he could take Bibbs’ spot on the practice squad.
“I know they’re going to bring him back. They told me they were going to bring him back. So, that made me feel better, too, about it,” said Bibbs, who rushed for 1,741 yards and scored 31 TDs last season for Colorado State. “I think my best opportunity and my future and my career would be better here. So, it all worked out for the best.”
Undrafted out of college, Bibbs signed with the Broncos in May. He had a solid preseason in which he gained 84 yards on 19 carries and scored three TDs before being waived. He was later signed to the practice squad, along with Barrett.
Bibbs figured a call might come from the Bills after the weekend they had: Losing C.J. Spiller and co-starting running back Fred Jackson in a win over Minnesota. Jackson is expected to miss four weeks with a groin injury and Spiller was placed on the reserve injured/designated to return list Tuesday, a day after he had surgery to repair a collarbone injury.
“At this time of year, running back is just one of those positions where two guys can go down on the same team in the same week and the next thing you know two guys on the street have new jobs,” Bibbs said. “It actually feels really good that Denver was willing to step up and do something to keep me on their roster. I think it speaks volumes about what they think about me.”
Denver is already down a running back with Montee Ball recovering from a groin injury. That’s opened the door for Ronnie Hillman, who’s rushed for 174 yards and two touchdowns the past two games.
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