WR Brown promoted from practice squad
Receiver Fred Brown’s threeyear journey to make a 53-man roster was accomplished Tuesday when the Broncos promoted him from the practice squad.
Brown was cut three times by Indianapolis in 2017 and was out of football during the 2018 regular season after spending training camp with the Los Angeles Rams. Brown was waived a combined five times by the Colts, Rams and Broncos. He spent training camp with the Broncos (eight catches for 90 yards and one touchdown) and spent the first three weeks on the team’s practice squad.
It was understandable why Brown was all smiles in the Broncos’ locker room Tuesday.
“I never had any doubt (about making a roster),” he said. “I just knew from being on a couple of teams, I was a guy that had talent and made plays, but there were guys in front of me who they had drafted or had already paid. It was about waiting my time and being patient.”
Brown said his parents, who live in Mississippi, may make the trip to Denver for Sunday’s game against Jacksonville and he has also has relatives who live in the area.
Brown could be active if the Broncos’ coaches feel he can contribute on special teams. To make room for Brown, the Broncos waived receiver River Cracraft.
Brown’s winding road started in 2016 when he was dismissed from Mississippi State for an honor code violation that Brown said at the time was due to “failing to site proper citations,” during his course work. That ended his senior year before it started and he wasn’t drafted.
The Broncos signed Brown to a future’s contract last Dec. 31.
C. Harris on speculation. If the Broncos keep losing, the chatter about trading some of their marquee veterans will pick up. Cornerback Chris Harris, in the final year of his contract, would be a natural addition for a contending team.
“I’m not worried about none of that,” Harris said. “Why would you want to trade me? I shut down the No. 1 receiver every game.”
NFLPA chief visits. DeMaurice Smith, executive director of the NFL Players Association, is touring the league and met with the Broncos players on Tuesday.
“We talked about the ongoing negotiations but it was mostly (discussing) about preparing for a work stoppage and telling the players to save half their money — that way, they can sustain for two years in case there is a lockout again,” said kicker Brandon McManus, the Broncos’ player representative.
McManus said Smith’s visit was educational because no current Broncos player was in the league during the 2011 lockout; outside linebacker Von Miller was drafted during the work stoppage and Harris was signed as an undrafted free agent after the collective bargaining agreement was finalized. Janovich nears return. Fullback Andy Janovich (pectoral) hasn’t gone through a full practice since being injured against Seattle on Aug. 8, but he could debut against the Jaguars. Janovich was a limited participant last week in practice.
“It was good; I didn’t do a ton, but I’m hoping to more this week,” he said.
How will Janovich know he’s ready to play?
“(When) I can hit people without any pain and not run around the field trying to protect myself (instead of) just playing football like I always have,” he said.
Footnotes. The Broncos are a three-point favorite over the Jaguars. In Jacksonville’s last visit (2013), the Broncos were a 26 1/2point favorite and won 35-19. … The Jaguars’ 13 sacks lead the NFL; the Broncos are last with no sacks. … The Broncos signed receiver Trinity Benson to the practice squad. He was with the team in training camp.