The Denver Broncos have placed edge-rusher Baron Browning on injured reserve ahead of their Week 3 matchup, leaving the defense without a key player as they seek to recover from an 0-2 start. Head coach Sean Payton hinted at the possibility of Browning landing on IR earlier in the week, and the team confirmed it Saturday. Browning will now miss at least four games while recovering from a lingering foot injury.
Browning, who made the transition from inside to outside linebacker in 2022, had a solid debut season on the edge with five sacks in 10 games. The Ohio State product was poised for a significant role in 2024, especially as he enters a contract year. His absence leaves a notable void in Denver’s pass rush, which the team will need to address in his absence.
To fill the gap left by Browning, the Broncos will rely on a combination of Jonathon Cooper, Nik Bonitto, and rookie Jonah Elliss. Cooper, a seventh-round pick in 2021, and Bonitto, a second-round selection in 2022, will be expected to step up and provide pressure off the edge, while Elliss, the Broncos’ third-round rookie, will see increased playing time. Denver will also keep an eye on Browning’s rehab, as they have a limited number of IR activations available for the season.
In addition to placing Browning on IR, the Broncos promoted wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey from the practice squad. A former New Orleans Saint, Humphrey has been a part of Sean Payton’s system before and has seen significant action this season, playing 52% of offensive snaps through two games. Humphrey will now have a more permanent role on the active roster as Denver looks to spark its offense.
Running back Tyler Badie and defensive back Tanner McCalister were also elevated for Sunday’s game, providing additional depth at key positions. As the Broncos face a critical stretch in their season, the loss of Browning is a significant blow, but they hope to regroup with some fresh faces contributing on both sides of the ball.
