Tag: Troy Franklin

Broncos inactives: Troy Franklin will make NFL debut vs. Steelers

Broncos inactives today: Zach Wilson*, Devaughn Vele (ribs), Blake Watson, Kris Abrams-Draine, Frank Crum, Lucas Krull and Eyioma Uwazurike.

The Denver Broncos have announced their list of seven inactive players for Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson*, wide receiver Devaughn Vele (ribs), running back Blake Watson, cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine, offensive tackle Frank Crum, tight end Lucas Krull and defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike are inactive today.

*Technically, Wilson is still available to play as the team’s emergency third-string quarterback behind starter Bo Nix and primary backup Jarrett Stidham, but he’s on the inactive list and does not count against the game-day roster.

With the exception of Wilson, these inactive players are members of the 53-man roster who are not eligible to play against the Steelers. They will be reactivated on Monday.

After being inactive last week, rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin is active today and set to make his NFL debut against Pittsburgh. Left tackle Garett Bolles (calf) is also active.

Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) is inactive, but he will serve as Pittsburgh’s emergency third-string QB on Sunday.

Elsewhere on the roster front, Denver elevated wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey and running back Tyler Badie from the practice squad to the game-day roster on Saturday. Badie gets the nod as RB3 over Watson today.

The Broncos’ game against the Steelers will be regionally televised on CBS. Denver is considered a betting underdog despite playing at home.

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5 things to watch for when Broncos host Steelers in Week 2

Here’s what we’ll be watching for when the Broncos host the Steelers on Sunday.

The Denver Broncos (0-1) are set to host the Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) in Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season this weekend. Here’s a quick list of five things we’ll be watching for on Sunday afternoon.

1. Russell Wilson’s status: Wilson (calf) sat out Pittsburgh’s season opener and Justin Fields helped the Steelers defeat the Atlanta Falcons 18-10. Wilson has been limited at practice this week and Fields appears to be the favorite to start again in Week 2, but Wilson would undoubtedly like an opportunity to prove a point against his former team. It remains to be seen if Wilson will be cleared to play.

2. Denver’s wide receiver rotation: Devaughn Vele was the team’s No. 3 receiver last week behind Courtland Sutton and Josh Reynolds, but the rookie now has a rib injury. That could lead to more work for Marvin Mims — who played just 12 snaps on offense last week — and Troy Franklin, who was a healthy scratch in Week 1.

3. Kristian Welch’s snaps on defense: Welch ate into Cody Barton’s snaps in the team’s season opener. While Alex Singleton played all 67 snaps on defense, Barton got 24 snaps on defense and Welch got 19 snaps despite joining the team just a few days earlier. It will be interesting to see if Welch gets even more work this week now that he has had more practice in Vance Joseph’s defense.

4. Broncos’ rushing attack: Javonte Williams averaged 2.9 yards per carry last week and Jaleel McLaughlin averaged 2.7 yards per tote. That’s not going to cut it, which coach Sean Payton made clear this week. After placing Audric Estime on injured reserve this week, Denver seems likely to utilize Blake Watson as RB3 on Sunday after the rookie was inactive in Week 1.

5. Bo Nix bouncing back: There’s no denying that Nix struggled in his NFL debut, as rookie quarterbacks often do. Now it’s time to see how Nix responds. Can he bounce back in his second NFL start, and will he push the ball down the field more than he did in his debut? We’ll find out Sunday.

Denver’s game against the Steelers will be regionally televised on CBS. The Broncos are considered a betting underdog despite playing at home.

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8 players did not play in Broncos’ season opener

The Broncos held out eight players during their season opener against the Seahawks on Sunday.

Eight members of the Denver Broncos’ 53-man roster did not play in the team’s season opener against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin, tight end Lucas Krull, running back Blake Watson, offensive tackle Frank Crum, defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike and cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine were healthy scratches.

Zach Wilson was also “inactive,” but he dressed for the game as an emergency third-string quarterback. No such emergencies arose so Wilson never entered the game.

Primary backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham did not get any snaps, either, giving Denver eight total players who did not play in Seattle. The 45 other players on the Broncos’ active roster all played at least one snap.

Perhaps the most notable player among Denver’s inactives on Sunday was Franklin, who was a fourth-round pick in April’s draft. Franklin struggled to make an impact in preseason and he does not play on special teams, so it’s not too surprising that he’s beginning the season as a healthy scratch.

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Broncos coach Sean Payton excited about WR Troy Franklin despite quiet preseason

“He’s smart. He picks things up. … I’m excited about him,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said of WR Troy Franklin.

After being picked by the Denver Broncos in the fourth round of the NFL draft in April, wide receiver Troy Franklin underwhelmed in preseason.

Franklin had one target (and no catches) in the team’s preseason opener and no targets in the second preseason game. It wasn’t until Denver’s preseason finale that Franklin finally hauled in a 21-yard reception. He also had one carry for nine yards in the Broncos’ final preseason game.

Despite the receiver’s quiet summer, Denver coach Sean Payton is still excited about Franklin’s outlook.

“Here’s what I see — I see great speed,” Payton said last week. “Probably as good run after the catch. Even in his college days. This past week, we saw him again. He’s playing ‘Z’ [receiver]. I like where he’s at relative to his progress. I like the selection, especially where we were able to draft him. He has rare speed, and then he’s very comfortable catching an in-route and then all of the sudden taking it for a big gain.

“Is there a development to any of these rookies? Absolutely. [He is] working on his lower-body strength and getting stronger there. He’s smart. He picks things up. There are good questions he asks — we were discussing a few things today. I’m excited about him.”

Franklin’s development will continue into the regular season, as Payton noted. The coach did not specifically say so, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Franklin is inactive early in the season while he continues progressing. The Broncos are excited about Franklin’s long-term outlook, but the receiver might not make an instant impact in Denver. When he does get on the field, Franklin’s speed will be an exciting addition to the offense.

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10 notes and takeaways from the Broncos’ second preseason game

Here are 10 takeaways from the Broncos’ preseason win over the Packers.

The Denver Broncos thoroughly defeated the Green Bay Packers 27-2 at Empower Field at Mile High in Week 2 of preseason action on Sunday night. Here are ten quick notes and takeaways from the victory.

1. Injury report: Nine players were held out, eight of them due to ailments. Notable among the injured players are safety Brandon Jones (hamstring) and guard Ben Powers (ribs). Jones also missed the team’s preseason opener last week. We’ll see if he suits up for the preseason finale on Aug. 25.

2. Tim Patrick is making the team: My 53-man roster prediction last week had Denver carrying five wide receivers, and Patrick was not among them. I’m sorry, Tim. The 30-year-old receiver was targeted four times on Sunday and hauled in all four targets for 30 yards and a touchdown. Tim Patrick is back.

3. Troy Franklin is invisible: Has anyone seen Denver’s fourth-round draft pick? Franklin is now two preseason games into his NFL career and he does not have a single reception. The Broncos have a very crowded wide receiver room and Franklin certainly isn’t standing out.

4. Samaje Perine’s stock continues to fall: Perine rushed five times for 16 yards on Sunday, an average of 3.2 yards per tote. He added one reception for five yards. The aging running back seems to be trending toward becoming a cap casualty this summer.

5. Keidron Smith is making a case: The second-year safety has grabbed an interception in each of the team’s first two preseason games. Denver has a crowded secondary, but Smith is doing all he can to make the squad.

6. Tyler Badie scores yet again: It’s very hard to imagine there being room for Baide on the 53-man roster, but he has a great habit of scoring almost every time he touches the ball. Badie has two touchdowns through two weeks of preseason this summer and one career score in the regular season off of one catch. He should be a top practice squad candidate.

7. Kris Abrams-Draine is a promising cornerback: After impressing in the team’s preseason opener, the fifth-round draft pick played well again on Sunday. He ended the day with three tackles and one pass breakup, and he was also involved on special teams.

8. Jonah Elliss continues to impress: Two games, two sacks for Elliss. His strip sack against the Packers led to a field goal. Elliss also has essentially forced a pair of interceptions with his pressure. The rookie is currently the fourth outside linebacker on the depth chart, but his stock is rising.

9. Zach Wilson might beat out Jarrett Stidham: Assuming the Broncos start Bo Nix, the backup job will go to Stidham or Wilson. Stidham is three years older, but Wilson has 29 more career starts and he’s still young enough to have some upside. Stidham is who he is at this point in his career.

10. Bo Nix is the obvious QB1: Seven drives, six scores (and the only turnover wasn’t his fault). Nix is 23-of-30 passing for 205 yards with two touchdowns through two preseason games, and he’s also made plays with his legs. Denver has found its QB of the future — and present — in Nix.

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Sean Payton has ‘a good problem’ with Broncos’ wide receivers

“We potentially have guys that may end up playing for another team,” Sean Payton said of the Broncos’ depth at wide receiver.

The Denver Broncos have an extremely crowded wide receiver depth chart going into the second week of NFL preseason.

Courtland Sutton is coming off a 10-touchdown season and he is the team’s No. 1 receiver. Marvin Mims is one of the best returners in the NFL. Josh Reynolds just signed with the team during free agency this spring. Denver just used a fourth-round pick to draft Troy Franklin in April.

Those four players have to be considered locks, and the Broncos only carried four receivers on their initial 53-man roster last year. Surely, Denver will carry at least five WRs this season.

Even with an extra spot, though, it will be hard to choose between veteran Tim Patrick, seventh-round pick Devaughn Vele and others. Jalen Virgil adds value as a returner. Lil’Jordan Humphrey has the height coach Sean Payton looks for in a receiver. Brandon Johnson scored four touchdowns last season.

Have fun choosing between them.

“Yesterday we spent a lot of time on personnel,” Payton said Wednesday. “Sometimes the nod is kicking game related. Sometimes the nod might be experience. There’s a lot that goes into it. … More than I can recall anywhere, the depth in competition at that position group — we potentially have guys that may end up playing for another team.

“It’s still early in the process. I think it’s a real good question and it’s the reality of this camp right now. These guys are working hard and it’s a good problem to have.”

As Payton noted, it’s a luxury problem, but the Broncos don’t want to waive a receiver and then see him shine for another club. Denver might consider attempting to trade a receiver or two when roster cuts approach later this month. Our latest 53-man roster prediction has five WRs with Vele making the squad over Patrick. Barring trades or injuries, the Broncos will have to make some very tough decisions at the position this summer. The initial roster will be set on Aug. 27.

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Broncos roster series: No. 16, WR Troy Franklin

In two years playing with QB Bo Nix, WR Troy Franklin totaled 142 receptions for 2,274 yards and 23 touchdowns with the Ducks.

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin, No. 16.

Before the Broncos: Franklin (6-3, 180 pounds) played college football at Oregon, overlapping with quarterback Bo Nix from 2022-2023. Franklin earned first-team All-Pac-12 recognition last fall and second-team All-American honors after hauling in 81 receptions for 1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns. In two seasons playing with Nix, Franklin totaled 142 receptions for 2,274 yards and 23 touchdowns. After an impressive campaign with the Ducks last fall, Franklin ran a 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds at the NFL combine this spring.

Broncos tenure: Denver picked Franklin in the fourth round of this year’s NFL draft, reuniting him with Nix. Franklin will make his pro debut when the Broncos kickoff preseason on Aug. 11 against the Indianapolis Colts.

Chances to make the 53-man roster: Lock. Franklin will definitely make the team, but how big of a role he has in Year 1 remains to be seen.

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Broncos’ draft picks represented 8th-best value in 2024 class

Despite “reaching” for Bo Nix in the first round, the Broncos still ended up with the eighth-best value of picks in the 2024 NFL draft.

Last year, the Denver Broncos’ draft picks represented the seventh-best value in the 2023 class. The results were similar this year.

Denver’s 2024 draft class represented the eighth-best value this spring, according to analysis from Warren Sharp of SharpFootballAnalysis.com.

The team picking quarterback Bo Nix at No. 12 overall was considered a reach, but the team found great value with wide receiver Troy Franklin (No. 102), cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine (No. 145) and running back Audric Estime (No. 147).

Broncos coach Sean Payton revealed last month that the team had a second-round grade on pass rusher Jonah Elliss, who they picked in the third round. Denver also had higher grades on Franklin (second), Estime (third) and Abrams-Draine (third) than where they ended up picking them.

Based on their in-house grading system, the Broncos had some amazing value picks fall to them during the draft in April. Sharp’s analysis agrees with that assessment — at least after the Nix pick.

Fans in Denver will get their first look at those rookies when the Broncos begin training camp next week. The team will have 16 open practices this summer.

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Broncos rookies report to team today ahead of training camp

Broncos rookies report to the team’s facility today for a ramp-up period ahead of the start of training camp next week.

Welcome to the NFL, rookies.

Denver Broncos rookies — headlined by quarterback Bo Nix — are set to report to the team’s facility today ahead of the start of training camp practices next week. In addition to Nix, wide receiver Troy Franklin is also poised to be a fan favorite this summer after reuniting with his college QB.

Denver’s rookies report to Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit today (July 17) and veterans — including quarterbacks Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson — are set to report on July 23. The early arrivals give the players a ramp-up period before training camp practices begin on July 26.

Denver has 16 rookies on the 90-man offseason roster, including seven players picked in the 2024 NFL draft. The Broncos will have 16 training camp practices open to fans this year, including a joint practice with the Green Bay Packers on Aug. 16.

Denver will play three preseason games this summer — two at home and one on the road — and all three contests will be nationally televised.

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Check out these highlights of Broncos rookie WR Troy Franklin

Bo Nix and Troy Franklin connected 142 times for 2,274 yards and 23 touchdowns at Oregon. Check out the highlights!

After using their first-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft to select Oregon quarterback Bo Nix, the Denver Broncos later used a fourth-round pick to select wide receiver Troy Franklin, reuniting the dynamic duo.

In two seasons with the Ducks, Nix and Franklin connected 142 times for 2,274 yards and 23 touchdowns. They are now teammates again in the NFL, both set to compete for playing time this summer.

“It’s pretty cool because certain things are already there,” Franklin said in May when asked about his chemistry with Nix.

The receiver was also asked what he’s hoping to show Denver’s coaching staff this offseason.

“That I’m dependable,” Franklin said. “I’m somebody that can go out there and do what I need to do for them. Just [be] a team player.”

Here are highlights from Franklin’s time at Oregon:

Franklin, 21, will face tough competition for playing time in the team’s crowded wide receiver room, but he is a promising rookie with a bright future. Whether it’s with Nix or another quarterback, Franklin will aim to make an instant impact on offense this fall.

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