Broncos bolster punting game by bringing in veteran Berger, waive Kern

Broncos add veteran punter Mitch Berger

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos made their first in-season roster move of the year, bringing in punter Mitch Berger and waiving Brett Kern.

Berger is a 16-year veteran and two-time Pro Bowler who played for Pittsburgh last season.

Kern was averaging 46.1 yards a punt, but ranked near the bottom of the league in net average (34.5). San Diego returner Darren Sproles took a punt 77 yards for a score against Denver last Monday, just before the undefeated Broncos went into their bye week.

Berger has a lifetime average of 43 yards on 796 punts.

Berger made the 2004 Pro Bowl with New Orleans and the 1999 Pro Bowl with Minnesota. After two seasons with the University of Colorado he was selected by Philadelphia in the sixth round of the 1994 NFL draft.

The Broncos also said linebacker/fullback Spencer Larsen is expected to return to practice this week after injuring his shoulder in a fall in the locker room at Cincinnati before the season opener.