Moss surprisingly makes Broncos roster

The biggest surprise among Saturday’s final cuts by the Denver Broncos might have been one of the players that survived.

Jarvis Moss, stuck as the team’s sixth outside linebacker for most of training camp, earned a spot on the 53-man roster after a fantastic performance in the preseason finale on Thursday night. His big game, which included a sack and a forced fumble, might have nudged him past fellow end-turned-linebacker and 2007 draft classmate Tim Crowder. Crowder, a second-round pick two years ago, was released.

The other cuts Saturday were tight end Marquez Branson, cornerback Tony Carter, defensive end Nic Clemons, guard Mitch Erickson, safety Vernon Fox, cornerback D.J. Johnson, linebacker Braxton Kelley, defensive lineman Everette Pedescleaux, defensive back Antwain Spann, running back Darius Walker and receiver Matt Willis. The team also announced it signed veteran defensive lineman Vonnie Holliday and waived/injured cornerback Joshua Bell.

The team will have to make another move when receiver Brandon Marshall is reinstated from his suspension, which is supposed to happen today.

Moss, a 2007 first-round pick, left the team for a few days early in training camp. He seemed like a long shot to make the team when he returned, but he made a great final impression.

“I am very glad I came back,” Moss said after the game. “I’m still thankful for Coach McDaniels giving me a little time to reflect on a lot of things, not just football, just a lot of things I was struggling with.”

Crowder wasn’t the only veteran on the bubble who didn’t make it. Walker rushed for 68 yards and a touchdown in the preseason finale, but it wasn’t enough. He was released and tailback LaMont Jordan stuck.