ENGLEWOOD — Wide receiver Elijah Moore completed his first practice with the Broncos on Wednesday and explained why Denver was the right fit.

“Obviously, it’s not bad going to a winning team,” Moore told The Denver Gazette with a grin from his new locker room stall.

The veteran wide receiver is embracing another change of scenery in his fifth NFL season. Moore, 25, is a 2021 second-round NFL draft pick (Ole Miss) playing on his fourth team — Jets, Browns, Bills and Broncos.

It didn’t work out in Buffalo. He caught nine passes for 112 yards in nine games but was released Nov. 26. Moore visited the Broncos last week, and multiple factors influenced why he signed to their practice squad.

“Teammates,” Moore said.

Moore grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. That’s only 7 miles east of the hometown of Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II (Plantation, Fla.). Proximity provided the foundation for a sports connection. It continued in college, playing SEC football with Surtain at Alabama and Moore at Ole Miss.

“Me and Elijah go way back,” Surtain said after practice Wednesday. “We actually played against each other in Little League, so since l was like 6 or 7 years old. … I think it’s pretty cool to see it all come full circle. I told him: ‘Man, we finally get to be on the same team together.’”

Another reason why Moore chose the Broncos in free agency?

“Just the opportunity with Sean Payton,” Moore said.

Payton explained on Wednesday why the Broncos (10-2) signed Moore to their practice squad leading up to Week 14 on Sunday against the Raiders (2-10).

“We had some exposure to him (and) some experience with some guys on our staff,” Payton said regarding Moore. “You’re always paying attention to that wire and if someone comes across it, that you feel like either can help now or maybe in the future. I think it was more of us looking at a talented player.”

Moore told The Denver Gazette that his main goal is to “make plays when my number is called” in an offense he respects. Moore called quarterback Bo Nix “a young good player” and that, “you’ve got guys around him making plays.”

Moore is a 5-foot-10, 178-pound wide receiver with proven ability. Like in Week 12 of the 2024 NFL season, Browns at Broncos, when Moore caught eight passes for 111 yards for Cleveland.

“We lost. That’s what I remember (laughs),” he told The Denver Gazette.

Moore noted that his body type is different from the majority of Broncos wide receivers, as a smaller speed threat. It gives Moore confidence that he will find a path to the active roster. He wore No. 81 at practice Wednesday.

“I feel like it will all be like a puzzle piece matched together,” Moore said.

Injury report

Outside linebacker Jonah Elliss is on the early track to play Sunday in Las Vegas. He was a full participant in practice Wednesday at Broncos Park. He missed the last two games with a hamstring injury.

Cornerback Reese Taylor (chest) also fully participated in practice.

Two Broncos were nonparticipants: tight end Nate Adkins (knee) and defensive tackle D.J. Jones (ankle). Adkins has missed the last four games. Jones appeared to suffer a lower-leg injury last week against the Commanders.

Briefly

Nix is not concerned with the AFC standings in pursuit of the top playoff seed. Nix said: “The only time I pay attention is when other people tell me, or if we talk about it among the team, or if I hear it from one of you (media) guys. It honestly doesn’t really matter because we’re in a great spot ourselves, so if we just keep winning football games we’re going to be just fine.” … Surtain returned from a three-game absence (pectoral injury) last week against the Commanders. On Wednesday, Surtain said: “This was the longest time I’ve been out my whole career, so I just had to get back to the basics and settle in. It felt good going out there.” … Payton remains extremely high on the potential of rookie running back RJ Harvey. Payton said: “There’s that saying: ‘You haven’t seen anything yet.’ (Harvey) still has this rare running skill set that you’re going to see and continue to (see).”