ENGLEWOOD — Lil’Jordan Humprey could not have predicted how his seventh NFL season would unfold.

“It’s been an interesting journey for me this year,” the veteran wide receiver told The Denver Gazette after Wednesday’s practice at Broncos Park.

Humphrey signed in free agency with the Giants after playing the last two seasons (2023-24) in Denver. He bounced between New York’s practice squad and the active roster, appearing in three games with four catches for 55 yards. But his football life came full circle in November.

Denver claimed Humphrey off the Giants’ practice squad. He is now a significant contributor to a Broncos offense headed to Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the Patriots. Humphrey caught a 29-yard touchdown in a divisional-playoff victory over the Bills.

“The most satisfying part of that was winning,” Humphrey said. “I saw the safety running over. I turned and saw Bo, and saw him launch it, and just went to go make a play.”

Humphrey made the most out of seven Broncos game appearances in the regular season. He logged nine catches for 101 yards and one touchdown in addition to his role as a pass-blocking wide receiver.

His role grew in the postseason with divisional-round injuries to Pat Bryant (concussion) and Troy Franklin (hamstring). Both wide receivers were limited in practice Wednesday. It opens the possibility that Humphrey will be relied upon against New England.

“That’s been my life in the NFL. You’ve got to stay ready. Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready,” Humphrey said. “It’s nothing new. You just know that anything can happen in this game. If you’re capable of playing any position, you’ve got a chance at getting out there and playing.”

The Broncos added another familiar face to their wide receivers’ room earlier this week, signing Brandon Johnson to the practice squad. Johnson and Humphrey were previously teammates in Denver during the 2023 season.

“LJ is a great receiver. More importantly, he’s a great dude and a great guy to be around,” Johnson told The Denver Gazette. “He’s funny, man. I’m super happy for him. He’s been having success everywhere he’s been at. … I’m watching him score touchdowns and all that stuff. I’m just happy for him.”

Humphrey said he “can’t really put into words” what it has meant returning to Denver now one win away from a Super Bowl.

“One thing I can say is that I’m just real grateful,” Humphrey said.

Briefly

Broncos coach Sean Payton has plenty of respect for Patriots coach Mike Vrabel. Payton said, “He’s passionate. I think his team, you see him play to that passion.” … Cornerback Pat Surtain is confident the Broncos’ defense will be the difference maker in the AFC Championship Game. Surtain said: “We always feel like every time we step out there on the field, we could change the game and always make game-changing plays. That’s what we put on our shoulders.” … Wide receiver Courtland Sutton was reminded the Broncos are one of just four NFL teams still practicing. Sutton said: “I don’t think anyone takes it for granted at all. I think everyone is embracing the moment and embracing this opportunity.” … The Broncos-Bills divisional playoff game was the most-watched Saturday NFL postseason game in history, according to CBS. It peaked with more than 51 million viewers in overtime.