ENGLEWOOD — The Broncos signed inside linebacker Kristian Welch and the following week he played 19 defensive snaps in their season opener.

Life comes at you fast on the NFL bubble.

Welch failed to make the 53-man roster in Green Bay despite a strong preseason. He’s now an early contributor on Broncos defense and special teams with the Steelers visiting Empower Field on Sunday.

“Definitely learning on the fly,” Welch said following practice on Friday at Broncos Park. “Shoot, I’ve been basically in Denver less than a week. Trying to pick stuff up and just go play ball.”

Welch, 26, is an NFL journeyman playing on his third team in five years. He signed with the Ravens in 2020 as an undrafted free agent. Welch appeared in 43 games over three years in Baltimore prior to last season with the Packers. He recorded two preseason interceptions with Green Bay before landing in Denver.

“I was happy to come in and be able to play both defense and special teams right away,” Welch said. “I really enjoyed it.”

Fellow inside linebacker and team captain Alex Singleton factored into his decision to sign with the Broncos. Welch said: “I respect him a lot as a player. I’m excited to get to know him, how he plays, and works through stuff on defense.”

There’s also a former college teammate on the roster. Cornerback Riley Moss and Welch played together at Iowa for two overlapping seasons in 2018 and ’19.

“He’s always been a hard worker, even at Iowa, and that’s kind of what he hangs his hat on,” Moss said of Welch. “He picked up the defense. I know he got here and then spent that week studying the playbook and getting ready. He’s got that stuff pretty much locked down now. He’s done a great job.”

Cody Barton won the starting inside linebacker job opposite of Singleton out of preseason. Barton’s defensive snap count (24) slightly outpaced Welch (19) in a Week 1 road loss to the Seahawks. But it’s clear the Broncos found quick trust in Welch to share the workload.

“I’m just trying to learn as fast as I can,” Welch said. “These reps in practices are huge. Just for me to be able to see it and feel it and understand the communication. Knowing where my fit is and all of that. … We’ve got to go out and get a win on Sunday.”