ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — After placing about a dozen players on the Reserve/COVID-19 list in the past week, Denver activated or elevated nine players to the active roster on Saturday ahead of their Week 17 matchup with the Chargers.

Rookie outside linebacker Andre Mintze, who was placed on the list on Monday, has cleared protocol and was both activated from the reserve list and injured reserve. The team also elevated tackles Quinn Bailey and Drew Himmelman, safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, defensive ends Marquiss Spencer and Jonathan Harris (who was restored to the practice squad from the Practice Squad/COVID-19 list), linebacker Barrington Wade and wide receiver Rico Gafford as COVID-19 Replacements from the practice squad. Cornerback Rojesterman Farris was also activated with a standard elevation from the practice squad.

Fangio highlighted Mintze on Friday as a possible option for outside linebacker depth with Bradley Chubb, Jonathon Cooper and Stephen Weatherly placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list this week.

Harris and Spencer could also be depth options for the interior defensive line, as nose tackle Mike Purcell was not activated ahead of the game and DeShawn Williams was placed on injured reserve on Monday after suffering an elbow injury.

Bailey and Himmelman will likely do the same for either tackle position. Starter Bobby Massie is on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, as is key reserve Calvin Anderson. While Cameron Fleming is the probable starter at right tackle in Massie's absence, Denver will rely on Bailey and Himmelman behind him.