TroyFranklin

Oct 12

Denver's second-year receiver landed on injured reserve Friday.

Last season, Denver had Courtland Sutton as the clear top receiver, with four others constantly rotating in and out. This year, Jaylen Waddle and Bryant joined Sutton in the top tier of receivers, while others have rotated in sparingly. In Bryant's absence, Sutton played more than usual, logging 80. 6% of snaps. Waddle, however, played a little less than usual, particularly in 12 personnel. Denver also used more 13 personnel than usual, a grouping in which Waddle typically hasn't played. It was largely Troy Franklin who stepped up in Bryant's place, playing 62. 9% of snaps, only slightly less than Waddle. The Broncos signed wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey from their practice squad Friday. Humphrey and Marvin Mims Jr. served as the backup receivers. The top three receivers were pretty even in receiving production, with all three catching two passes for 16-19 yards. Denver switched to Sean Payton as its offensive playcaller, and the Broncos wanted to run the ball more often. They ran more than they passed this week, hurting the fantasy value of all their receivers. It may be difficult to trust any of them in fantasy starting lineups if Payton sticks with this run-pass split.

Zack Kelberman·Oct 10

Although it wasn't included on the report, Denver also placed wide receiver Pat Bryant — who suffered an ankle injury of his own in Week 4 — on short-term injured reserve. Bryant will be sidelined for at least the next four games before being eligible to return....With Bryant absent, Denver could lean more heavily on little-used WRs Marvin Mims and Troy Franklin while attempting to get veteran Courtland Sutton going following a slow start to the year. It, too, is possible — if not probable — that quarterback Bo Nix sprinkles a few additional targets to running back RJ Harvey, who's currently the club's leading pass-catcher.