An injury forces a key member of the Denver Broncos to leave the squad.
Champ Bailey signed out of team because of injury
The club has seen some injuries, but this season has not seen the Broncos’ injury bug bite nearly as hard as it has in previous years. Bravo to the new medical, strength, conditioning, and training staff for their efforts in treating and preventing injuries. Sadly, injuries have kept us from witnessing Brandon Johnson, a talented young wide receiver who was previously selected undrafted, have the opportunity to consistently demonstrate his abilities.
If not for a high-ankle sprain he had during the preseason in 2022, Johnson would have made the Broncos’ 53-man roster. Still, he returned last season and hauled in a touchdown pass. In the 2023 summer, he displayed some consistency and gained enough respect from a new coaching staff to be added to the 53-man roster once more.
Earlier this season, Johnson made just seven appearances and had eight receptions. Three of those grabs resulted in touchdowns, one of which was a Hail Mary touchdown in Week 2 against the Commanders. In addition to scoring in the Broncos’ thrilling victory over the Chicago Bears, he was injured in the opening contest of the team’s current five-game winning streak.
With three touchdowns this season and a 132.1 QB rating when he receives the ball, Johnson has shown that throwing to him is a wise decision.In preparation for their Sunday game against the Houston Texans, where the passing game may be emphasized more than normal, the Broncos are getting Johnson back. This season, the Texans are ranked 27th against the pass, and Johnson has demonstrated his ability to break up passes and create space after they are caught. He is an underappreciated big-play danger.
Denver Broncos, Getty Images and Jamie Schwaberow
The Broncos won’t probably need to promote anyone from the practice squad to the position for their game against Houston now that Johnson is back in the fold. Over the first 11 games, they have rotated players such as Tre’Quan Smith, Phillip Dorsett, and David Sills.
Not to exaggerate, but Johnson’s return to the field for the Broncos is exciting, if only because it presents another chance for a game-changing player to get on the field for the attacking team. Johnson has a fantastic combination of size, hands, and route-running skills. He can be successful in the vertical passing game and is a potent red zone threat. He’s one of the team’s real hidden gems.
Although I don’t think you can expect him to get more than two or three targets when he returns on Sunday, Brandon Johnson might make a big difference this weekend.
