Broncos reunite with WR to help Stidham, banged-up unit

Just like they did at quarterback this week, the Denver Broncos are bringing back a familiar face at wide receiver.

Denver is signing Brandon Johnson to the practice squad, per 9 News’ Mike Klis. The move comes as the Broncos are dealing with a depleted receiver corps ahead of Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots.

Johnson, 26, spent two seasons in Denver (2022-23), catching 44 passes for 326 yards and five touchdowns. Four of those scores came in 2023 while mainly catching passes from former quarterback Russell Wilson. However, his best production came when he made eight of those grabs for 115 yards in the last two games of the 2023 season, when Jarrett Stidham was starting.

Clearly, Johnson and Stidham have chemistry, which is crucial now that Stidham is Denver’s starting quarterback after Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle late in Saturday’s 33-30 overtime win against Buffalo.

The reunion addresses an immediate need. Rookie Pat Bryant exited the playoff game early on with a concussion after hauling in three catches for 32 yards on the team’s opening drive. Fellow receiver Troy Franklin also departed that game with a hamstring injury.

The injuries left the Broncos with just three healthy wideouts on the active roster: Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr. and Lil’Jordan Humphrey. This led to utilizing tight end Evan Engram and fullback Adam Prentice at wide receiver, along with potentially more tackle-eligible plays for Frank Crum.

Bryant had emerged as a key piece of head coach Sean Payton’s offense during his rookie campaign, finishing the regular season with 31 catches for 378 yards and a touchdown.

Johnson is a UCF product, was among Denver’s final roster cuts before the 2024 season and landed with the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squad. His familiarity with the organization and experience with Payton’s system could prove valuable as Stidham prepares to lead Denver against the Patriots on Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High.

The Broncos will need to make a corresponding move to create roster space for Johnson. Nix has yet to be put on Injured Reserve despite Payton ruling him out for the season.

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