Broncos put OLB Baron Browning on injured reserve, sign WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey off practice squad
TAMPA, Fla. — The Broncos on Saturday placed outside linebacker Baron Browning on injured reserve with a left foot injury and signed wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey off the practice squad.
Browning was hurt in last Sunday’s 13-6 loss to Pittsburgh. He had an MRI on Monday and was in a walking boot during the week. He must miss at least the next four games.
The Broncos on Saturday also elevated running back Tyler Badie and defensive back Tanner McCalister off the practice squad to the active roster for Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay at Raymond James Stadium.
Browning had been ruled out Friday for Sunday’s game, and Nik Bonitto is expected to start in his place against the Buccaneers. Denver promoted Dondrea Tillman off the practice squad on Wednesday for additional depth at outside linebacker. The Broncos also have Jonathon Cooper as the other starter at outside linebacker and rookie Johan Elliss is expected to now get more work at the position.
Humphrey, who signed a one-year deal for the prorated salary of $1.125 million, had been elevated for the first two games of the season and had one more elevation left before the Broncos were to sign him to the 53-man roster. They opted to make the move one game early with the roster spot opening due to Browning’s injury.
While Humphrey will be active Sunday, it remains to be seen if the Broncos’ fifth receiver active will be Devaughn Vele or Troy Franklin, both rookies. Vele was active for the opener at Seattle and caught eight passes for 39 yards before he missed the game against Pittsburgh with what he told The Denver Gazette was a broken rib. Vele said Friday he doesn’t know if he will be active against the Buccaneers. If he isn’t, Franklin would get the nod.
The elevation of Badie was expected after he was elevated against the Steelers and carried once for 16 yards. He is in line to have a bigger role against Tampa Bay.
The elevation of Tanner McCalister was his first of the season. He will provide depth due to safety JL Skinner having been ruled out for Sunday due to an ankle injury.