Jeff Heuerman and Nick Vannett's reunion with the Denver Broncos was short-lived.
The Broncos announced the release of Heuerman on Friday, ending his five-year tenure with the team. Heuerman released a statement shortly after on Twitter, saying he wishes “nothing but the best to the team and the city.”
— Jeff Heuerman (@JHeuerman86) July 31, 2020
Selected by the Broncos in the third round of the 2015 NFL draft, Heuerman missed his rookie season with a torn ACL but went on to catch 63 passes for 678 yards and five touchdowns over the last four seasons.
That said, Heuerman was in line to make over $4 million this season and was one of eight tight ends on a roster that now includes Vannett in addition to three other Big Ten alumni – Noah Fant, Jake Butt and Troy Fumagalli – in addition to 2020 fourth-round pick Albert Okwuegbunam, Andrew Beck and Austin Fort.
In other NFL transaction news involving former Ohio State players on Friday, the Miami Dolphins placed linebacker Jerome Baker on their reserve/COVID-19 list. He becomes the second former Buckeye to be added to that list, joining Jaguars defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton.
We have placed LB Jerome Baker and DT Zach Sieler on the reserve/COVID-19 list. pic.twitter.com/PhyhVoCSQ8
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) July 31, 2020
The reserve/COVID-19 list designates that a player has either tested positive for COVID-19 or is quarantining due to close contact with someone who tested positive. Baker said he is “fine” in a tweet after the news was announced on Friday.
Yall Im fine. Appreciate the love and support.
— Jerome Baker Jr. (@Lastname_Baker) July 31, 2020
Former Ohio State offensive tackle Isaiah Prince is also opting out of the 2020 NFL season due to COVID-19, the Cincinnati Bengals announced Friday, while the Houston Texans placed former Ohio State cornerback Gareon Conley on the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin training camp.
