Broncos designated WR Brandon Johnson to return from the injured reserve

The Broncos opened the 21-day window for WR Brandon Johnson to return from the injured reserve.

The Denver Broncos announced that they have designated wide receiver Brandon Johnson to return from the injured reserve. Johnson returned to practice today which opened the 21-day window in which he must be activated to the 53-man roster. He is eligible to be activated off the injured reserve as soon as this Sunday’s game vs. the Houston Texans.

Johnson landed on the injured reserve in late October due to a hamstring injury and has missed the past four games because of this. Now, it sounds like he at least has a chance to return for Sunday’s game vs. the Texans. Head Coach Sean Payton told reporters after today’s practice that Johnson is “ready to return” and reminded them that he had a good training camp and that he is happy that he is back practicing.

Johnson’s return would bolster a Denver Broncos receiving group that has stepped up their game during their five-game winning streak. On the season, Johnson has just 8 total receptions for 122 yards, however, three of those receptions have gone for touchdowns. Also, Johnson has the second most receiving touchdowns on the team with three despite an injured reserve stint.

As Payton noted, Johnson had a strong training camp this past year (and last year) and has shown some chemistry with quarterback Russell Wilson. So, it’ll be interesting to see if Wilson will continue to target Johnson in the end zone when he does return.

We will have to keep an eye on Johnson’s practice status throughout the week but it sounds like he is trending towards returning for this Sunday’s game vs. the Texans. If he does, hopefully, we see him haul in another touchdown pass this weekend in this pivotal matchup against the Texans.