Michael

Burton

Burton is expected to sign with the Broncos’ practice squad tomorrow. The team will then elevate him for their Week 9 matchup with the Ravens. His release is nothing more than some roster management sleight of hand.

Humphrey has experience in head coach Sean Payton’s system while Burton likely gets the elevation to serve as the starting fullback in Sean Payton’s offense. Neither is worthy of fantasy consideration for opening weekend.

Burton joined Sean Payton’s Saints-turned-Broncos last year and will remain in Denver for at least one more season. Burton in 2023 played all 17 regular season games, blocking for Broncos running backs in a run-first offense.

Burton is familiar with newcomer Broncos head coach Sean Payton from their time together in New Orleans. The Broncos have now made multiple moves in the backfield after the team signed former Bengals RB Samaje Perine earlier in the day. Look for both players to play key roles in the coming season considering Javonte Williams is coming off a torn ACL and both Marlon Mack and Latavius Murray are considered to be on their way out.

One of the few teams that still employs a fullback, the Chiefs put Burton on the field for 94 offensive snaps last season. He also played over 200 snaps on special teams.

The Chiefs needed a replacement for retiring fullback Anthony Sherman. Throwing lead blocks since 2015, 2020 was Burton’s first and only season in New Orleans. He also features on special teams, as all fullbacks must in this era. Headed into his age-29 campaign, Burton has 28 career touches.

Burton came into close contact with seven players before his initial positive test and all seven returned negatives this morning as well. The Saints game versus the Lions will play as scheduled. Burton will be on the field, blocking for Alvin Kamara as usual today.

The Saints will now re-test seven additional players who were either identified as close contacts or sat next to Burton on the plane. PFT reports that one of them is Alvin Kamara. Burton has played 61 snaps through three games. If by some miracle Saints/Lions goes ahead as scheduled on Sunday, Kamara will need a different lead blocker.

Burton was briefly with the Saints last May, but ultimately spent the 2019 season with the Redskins. Still, he played in just 10 games and served as nothing more than a blocker and special team contributor.

Burton got the gig following a successful tryout at rookie minicamp. Zach Line, who is still on the Saints’ roster, was one of just four fullbacks to play over 200 offensive snaps last season. Burton made eight appearances for the Bears and has played 55 games since 2015.