KUSA—The Broncos added some much-needed depth to their wide receiver position Wednesday by promoting Hunter Sharp from their practice squad to 53-man roster and signing undrafted rookie River Cracraft to their practice squad, a source told 9NEWS.
Sharp is in his second professional season. He was undrafted out of Utah State last season, signed with the Philadelphia Eagles but tore his hamstring in training camp and was waived with an injury settlement.
He signed with the Broncos’ practice squad in the final week of the regular season last year. He had six catches for 92 yards and a touchdown in three preseason games, then impressed the Broncos’ coaching staff with his scout team work this year.
"I've come far since college, dealing with that injury and adjusting to the NFL,'' Sharp said. "But ever since I got around these guys, they've been a big help to me.''
Sharp is needed because the Broncos have already ruled out receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Isaiah McKenzie for the game Sunday at the Los Angeles Chargers. Sanders and McKenzie both have severely sprained right ankles.
Another receiver, Cody Latimer, was expected to get one more week to recover from the PRP (Platelet-rich Plasma) procedure he had done in his right knee. Sharp may handle punt and kickoff return duties.
"You may say, 'throwing me right in there,'' but I've been practicing every day,'' he said.
He got a text from Minnesota quarterback Kyle Sloter, who had success throwing to Sharp during the Broncos' preseason.
"That's my guy right there,'' Sharp said. "he said, 'man, I'm so happy for you.'''
Sharp joins Demaryius Thomas, Bennie Fowler III and Jordan Taylor as Bronco receivers this week.
In his two seasons at Utah State, Sharp averaged 69 receptions, 887 yards and 8 touchdowns a year.
Cracraft in four seasons at Washington State averaged 55 catches, 675 yards and 5 touchdowns per year. Listed at 6-foot, 200 pounds, Cracraft went undrafted in part because he suffered a torn ACL in a game against Cal last November. What kept him going?
"It's a dream,'' he said. "Everything's kind of happening on the fly. I'm trying to help out wherever they need me.''
