Denver Broncos defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike faces an absence of at least four games after being placed on short-term injured reserve on Saturday, November 7, 2026. The move comes immediately after the NFL issued the 28-year-old a $6,361 fine for a facemask penalty committed against the Kansas City Chiefs, as reported by Broncos Wire.
The defensive lineman, who recorded 17 tackles and one sack through the first eight games of the season, will remain ineligible until the Broncos face the New York Jets in Week 14. To address the vacancy on the 53-man roster, the team promoted cornerback Sean Fresch from the practice squad.
Financial penalties across the roster
Uwazurike is the latest in a series of Broncos players to receive fines from the league this season. Linebacker Alex Singleton has been fined four times this season. Singleton’s penalties include a late hit in Week 1, a hit on a defenseless receiver in Week 2, impermissible use of the helmet in Week 6, and unnecessary roughness in Week 7. The fine for the Week 2 hit on a defenseless receiver was rescinded after an appeal.
Other players have also seen their disciplinary actions challenged or adjusted. Safety Brandon Jones was fined in Week 7, while wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and guard Quinn Meinerz faced fines for a celebration in Week 3; all three of those penalties were rescinded after appeals.
Broncos players receive season fines
The financial records for the Broncos include several other notable entries this season. Guard Quinn Meinerz was fined for posting a photo of a drug test notification on social media following the team’s Week 3 matchup. Guard Ben Powers received a $17,911 fine for a blindside block during the Week 4 game.
According to the NFL, all money collected from these penalties is contributed to the Professional Athletes Foundation to assist Legends in need, as well as the NFL Foundation to further promote the health, safety, and wellness of athletes at every level, including youth football and the communities that support the sport.
#Broncos placed DL Eyioma Uwazurike on injured reserve with a shoulder injury, per the wire. A pretty substantial loss up front. Uwazurike has played well for Denver this year.
Eyioma Uwazurike targets week fourteen return
When is Eyioma Uwazurike eligible to return?
Uwazurike is required to sit out at least four games while on injured reserve. He is eligible to return to the active roster for the Week 14 game against the New York Jets.
How is the Broncos’ roster changing during this period?
To compensate for Uwazurike’s placement on injured reserve, the team promoted cornerback Sean Fresch from the practice squad to the 53-man active roster.
What happens to the money collected from NFL player fines?
The league allocates fine proceeds to the Professional Athletes Foundation to provide aid to Legends in need and to the NFL Foundation to benefit the health, safety and wellness of athletes at all levels, including youth football and the communities that support the game.
#Broncos DL Eyioma Uwazurike fined $6,361 for his facemask penalty last Sunday vs. Chiefs, NFL announces.