Broncos elevate WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey to active roster ahead of TNF vs Chiefs

It’s been quite the 24 hours or so for Lil’Jordan Humphrey.

The former Texas wideout has been released, signed to the practice squad and subsequently elevated to the active roster by the Denver Broncos — all in the span of about a day.

Humphrey was released by Denver on Wednesday afternoon, ahead of a Thursday Night Football matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Then, on Thursday, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero relayed that Humphrey will be on the sidelines and playing for Denver against Kansas City.

So after waking up on Wednesday a member of the Denver Broncos, he managed to get cut, re-signed, and made a member of the roster in time for a pivotal divisional matchup in primetime on Thursday evening.

Humphrey will likely remain as a member of the Broncos practice squad for the time being after tonight.

Signed by New Orleans as an undrafted free agent in 2019, Humphrey was an accomplished receiver during his time in college at Texas. Humphrey broke out in his junior year to record 86 catches for 1,176 yards and nine touchdowns before making the jump to the NFL. He helped Texas to a 10-4 season and Sugar Bowl victory over Georgia in which he had seven catches for 67 yards.

Another Bronco is making his way back, only from injured reserve instead of the practice squad.

The Broncos made additional moves this week, notably designating second-year tight end Greg Dulcich to return from injured reserve. Dulcich, Denver’s third-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft out of UCLA, has been sidelined since Week 1 with a hamstring injury. He stood out last season, hauling in 33 receptions for 411 yards and two scores in 10 games.

Pelissero reported that Dulcich was bumped up to the active roster ahead of Thursday’s game.

Humphrey was signed to the Broncos practice squad in August after getting cut then

After being cut from the 53-man roster in August, Humphrey signed with the Broncos practice squad. It was also reported that one of his former teammates in New Orleans, running back Dwayne Washington, would be staying with the Broncos for the start of the 2023 season.

With Humphrey classified as a veteran player with over two years of experience, the minimum he can make as a member of the Broncos practice squad is $15,400 per week, or $277,200 if he stays all 18 weeks. His maximum payout for the season would be $358,200 for the year or $19,900 a week.

Despite not earning a spot on the Broncos’ 53-man roster, both Humphrey and Washington will have an opportunity to contribute to Denver’s 2023 campaign. Should an unfortunate injury, an untimely matter, or a member of the main roster get released, Payton can call up either of the two players a number of times.

Additionally, Denver has shown the willingness to make signings and cuts to work the roster as necessary.