Broncos released TE Joel Dreessen. Dreessen was cut with the "failed physical" designation. He underwent surgery on his left knee in February, his third operation on the same knee is less than a calendar year. Dreessen will turn 32 on Saturday and may be nearing the end of the line with his body starting to betray him. The Broncos save $2.5 million.

Broncos TE Joel Dreessen didn't participate in spring practices because of ongoing knee issues. Dressen underwent surgery on his left knee in February. It was his third operation on the same knee in fewer than 12 months. Soon-to-be 32-year-old Dreessen carries a $3.1 million cap charge this season and may be on the chopping block with the Broncos right up against the cap. He caught seven balls in 2013.

Broncos TE Joel Dreessen will undergo surgery on his left knee next week. Dreessen is hoping Denver honors his $2.5 million salary for 2014, but that's a long shot. This will be Dreessen's third surgery on the same knee in fewer than 12 months, and his role was scaled back significantly in 2013, finishing with seven catches in 13 games. Dreessen is likely to be a cap casualty.

The Denver Post believes the Broncos will turn to Joel Dreessen and Jacob Tamme to "pick up the slack" if Julius Thomas (knee, questionable) is inactive for Week 12 at New England. Virgil Green would be the No. 3 tight end and handle "plenty of playing time" if the sub-favorable weather conditions "cause the Broncos to try and run the ball more than they would like." Dreessen would draw the start and be the best bet for a red-zone score, so we'd start him if forced to choose from the trio. Tamme would probably run the most pass routes, but has never been a big part of Denver's passing game even dating back in 2012, when he was a starter.

Broncos TE Joel Dreessen (knee) is listed as probable for Week 12. Dreessen practiced fully on both Thursday and Friday. He'll be active against the Patriots and could see a bigger role with Julius Thomas banged up.

Joel Dreessen (knee) was limited in Wednesday's practice. Dreessen underwent two knee scopes in the offseason. The Broncos are just limiting his reps. He won't be on the fantasy radar if Julius Thomas (ankle) plays.

Joel Dreessen caught two passes for 19 yards and a touchdown in Denver's Week 8 win over the Redskins. Dreessen was only in the ballgame because Julius Thomas departed with an ankle issue. Dreessen entered Week 8 with one catch on the season, and won't be on the fantasy radar even if Thomas is unavailable for Week 9.

Broncos TE Joel Dreessen (knee) returned to Broncos practice Thursday, getting in a limited session. Dreessen could make his season debut in Monday night's game against the Raiders, but has been buried on the depth chart by Julius Thomas. His fantasy relevance is long gone.

Broncos TE Joel Dreessen (knee) is listed as out for Week 2. Julius Thomas will continue to play 100 percent of the offensive snaps.

Joel Dreessen (knee) did not practice Monday. Dreessen continues to do agility work on the side as he recovers from a scope. He's lost his starting job to Julius Thomas anyway.