Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds practiced for the first time in a month on Wednesday, opening his 21-day window to return to the 53-man roster.
Reynolds was placed on the injured reserve last month after undergoing minor finger surgery. He sustained the injury while falling to the ground following his touchdown catch in the fourth quarter of the team’s Week 5 win over the Raiders.
“It’s just getting back into the football mindset,” Payton said of Reynolds, who was a full participant at practice. “It’s good having him back on the field.”
While recovering from surgery, Reynolds was injured in a shooting on Oct. 18, resulting in two men being arrested and charged with first-degree attempted murder. Reynolds, however, was seen at the Broncos facility doing conditioning work on the side field following the incident.
Reynolds, who signed a two-year $9 million deal in the offseason, should give Denver a much-needed boost at wide receiver. Through five games, he totaled 12 catches for 183 yards and a touchdown on 19 targets. His best performance came in Week 2 against the Steelers when he recorded 93 yards on four receptions, including a 49-yard catch in the second half.
In Reynolds’ absence, wideout Lil’Jordan Humphrey served as the team’s second wide receiver option. Humphrey had 11 catches for 76 yards in the last five games. Rookies Troy Franklin and Devaughn Vele have received more reps in recent weeks. Vele had four receptions for 39 yards and caught his first career touchdown in last week’s loss to the Chiefs.
Safety Delarrin Turner-Yell (knee) and linebacker Drew Sanders (Achilles), both of whom are on the reserved/PUP list, were also full participants. Meanwhile, defensive end Zach Allen (elbow/rest) and safety Brandon Jones (abdomen) were limited.
Payton on Westhoff’s departure: Payton said the team will miss assistant head coach Mike Westhoff, who stepped down to monitor a potential health issue.
Payton said Westhoff, who joined the team last season, has been dealing with blurriness in one of his eyes. After undergoing tests Monday, Westhoff thought it was in his best interest to resign.
“He’s done a tremendous job here,” Payton said. “…He didn’t say anything initially. He’s a tough sucker.”
Payton said there won’t be any changes to the coaching staff. Special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica and assistant Chris Banjo will continue to manage the unit. Originally, Westhoff was meant to go back into retirement following the 2023 campaign. But after the team’s success on special teams, Payton said he went to CEO/owner Greg Penner and asked him to convince Westhoff to stay for another season.
“Greg’s a good salesman,” Payton said.
Burton signed to active roster: Broncos veteran fullback Michael Burton has signed from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, the team announced Wednesday. The move comes a day after Denver waived safety and preseason standout Keidron Smith.
Burton has played in 10 games, totaling five catches for 40 yards.
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