ENGLEWOOD — Lil’Jordan Humphrey is back at Broncos Park.

The veteran wide receiver, signed Wednesday from the Giants’ practice squad, rejoined his former team on Thursday in the locker room. Humphrey played 2023 and 2024 in Denver prior to signing with the Giants in March. He expressed gratitude for his Broncos return.

“Excitement,” Humphrey said after practice Thursday. “Who (doesn’t) want to be wanted? I’m just excited to be back and help as best I can.”

Humphrey has appeared in 61 games over his seven-year NFL career after going undrafted out of the University of Texas. His physicality sets him apart at 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds. He provides strength as a downfield blocker with receiving upside.

Last season, Humphrey logged a career-best 31 catches for 293 yards with one touchdown. He ranked third on the team in total yards after the catch (192) despite ranking fifth in receptions. Humphrey’s chunk-yardage potential and smarts playing in multiple wide receiver spots make him a valuable addition to coach Sean Payton’s offense.

Payton lauded Humphrey’s football IQ earlier in the week and said: “You know exactly what you’re getting from him.” Even if it will take Humphrey some time to reacclimate in Denver.

What will his potential role be on Sunday against the Chiefs?

“We’re working towards that. I’m still trying to get acclimated. Figure out the playbook again,” Humphrey said. “I’m just going to keep working, and we’ll find out. … A lot of things have changed. A lot of things have stayed the same. But you know, being gone for so long, you’ve still got to get in there and kind of refresh your brain.

“So, that’s what I’m doing right now.”

Humphrey has plenty of familiar faces in the wide receivers’ room. He described his relationship with teammate Courtland Sutton as “like a brother.” Wide receiver Troy Franklin also spoke highly of Humphrey.

“Very respected. We love (Humphrey), so we were happy when we found out he signed with us for sure,” Franklin told The Denver Gazette on Thursday. “I saw that (physicality) all last year. That was one of his main jobs for us. Jordan is a great blocker and he’s going to get the job done.”

Humphrey joins the Broncos with their offense in a two-game funk. Quarterback Bo Nix had a combined completion rate of 52% — and less than 200 yards passing — against the Texans and Raiders. Humphrey isn’t a clear answer. The Giants elevated him from the practice squad in three games, and he logged four catches for 55 yards in an October win over the Eagles.

Humphrey told The Denver Gazette he is not expecting to play tight end despite the Broncos previously talking with him about the possibility before this season. Humphrey still provides a steady presence for Nix at wide receiver.

“I think he’s really smart. He’s a good blocker. I think he’s more productive than people give him credit for,” offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said Thursday after practice at Broncos Park. “I think if you really understand what he does or what he’s done for us in the past, you appreciate what a big role player he’s been for us. I know he’s not the flashiest player, but he’s a good, solid player. … You know that if you give him a job, he’s going to get it done and that’s important.”

Payton was with New Orleans in 2019 when the Saints signed Humphrey as a college free agent. Their connection continued when Payton brought Humphrey to Denver. Now, they’re back together for another season.

How did Humphrey build so much trust with Payton?

“That’s a great question. I don’t know. I think I’m just a dependable player,” Humphrey said. “I like to think I’m pretty smart when it comes to football. I think that’s one of the aspects he really trusts me in.”