The Broncos are moving on from tight end Greg Dulcich.

The former third-round NFL pick, No. 80 overall in 2022 (UCLA), was placed on waivers Monday.

Dulcich has been inactive for eight consecutive games. He returned healthy this season after dealing with hamstring issues last year. But Dulcich lacked consistency with dropped passes and fell out of the tight end rotation. He finished the season with five catches for 28 yards.

Dulcich tallied 41 receptions for 464 yards and two touchdowns over three years in Denver.

The Broncos have turned to a combination of Adam Trautman, Lucas Krull and Nate Adkins at tight end this season. They have combined for 288 yards receiving and three touchdowns.

The Broncos now have a spot available on their 53-man roster.

It’s possible that wide receiver Josh Reynolds could return from injured reserve (finger). The team might also activate inside linebacker Drew Sanders (Achilles) before Wednesday or revert him back to the physically unable to perform list to close the season.

Dulcich is free to sign with any team he wants if he clears the waiver process on Tuesday. Any team that claims Dulcich on waivers must take on the final year of his rookie contract.

Nix arm strength

Bo Nix has proven skeptics wrong with elite downfield passing to begin his NFL career.

The Broncos rookie quarterback ranked third in the league entering Monday night for the most completions of 20-plus yards this season. Nix (39) trailed only Lions quarterback Jared Goff (41) and Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (43).

“You know what’s nice? In his college (draft) reports, I didn’t hear ‘darts’ or ‘down-the-field’ or ‘long arms’ or any of that stuff,” Payton said on Monday. “A little bit is sometimes defensively driven. Certainly, there’s a confidence level relative to what we’re trying to do, or what he’s trying to do. It’s hard to predict in a game.”

Payton disputed any notion the Broncos underestimated Nix’s arm strength coming out of Oregon.

“No, no, no,” Payton said. “Our pundits’ eyes in the beginning were weaker.”

Replacing Allen

The Broncos limited the Raiders to 69 yards rushing despite starting defensive end Zach Allen missing the game due to a heel injury. Defensive tackle Malcolm Roach was proud of how the team responded.

“We know every game is not going to be (the roster) you walk out there with on the first day of training camp,” Roach said on Monday. “We try to pride ourselves on always being ready. … We knew we were going to have to step up. I feel like we did a good job, especially from the young guys.”

Briefly

Payton would not provide specifics Monday on Allen’s return timeline. Payton said: “I’m not going to hit any injuries today. We should be fine there.” … The Broncos opened as a 5.5-point home favorite over the visiting Cleveland Browns in Week 13 on Monday Night Football. … The Broncos are adjusting their practice schedule to accommodate for Thanksgiving and MNF. On Thursday, the team will “come in and maybe not be here as long,” Payton said. The Broncos will also practice on Saturday with their typical Friday plan.