Pritchard: Broncos adding McKenzie to 53-man roster protects Lindsay

On Sunday, the Denver Broncos signed Isaiah McKenzie to the active roster less than 24 hours after the club waived and put him on practice squad.

Head coach Vance Joseph said on Monday the Broncos made the move after placing safety Su’a Cravens on injured reserve because “Isaiah was the next best guy to bring up.”

“That return spot is always a huge spot for us — plus, having a sixth receiver available,” Joseph said.

However, “Pritchard and Cecil” co-host Mike Pritchard has a different theory: McKenzie was added once again to the 53-man roster to protect Phillip Lindsay.

“They brought back Isaiah McKenzie to keep Phillip Lindsay on offense,” Pritchard said. “I’ll say it, I’ll pound the table again. There’s going to be a bigger role for Phillip Lindsay than people are anticipating.”

Joseph said the team will have packages for Lindsay, but third-year pro Devontae Booker will likely be the third-down back behind lead rusher Royce Freeman, who was just named the starter on Monday.

But Pritchard said not only did the Broncos bring in cornerback/returner Adam “Pacman” Jones to ensure Lindsay would be available more on offense but also the team re-added McKenzie for the same reason.

“The Broncos think very highly of Phillip Lindsay, and they want that guy to have a significant role in their offense,” Pritchard said.

Lindsay said after practice on Monday it was a “proud moment” just to make the 53-man roster as an undrafted college free agent out of the University of Colorado.

“I’m ready to get to work and prove myself,” Lindsay said.

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.