TAMPA, Fla. — Baron Browning said during the offseason and training camp he had but one goal this year: Play in all 17 games. Let the production take care of itself.
It's a tough goal for any NFL player. Browning will fall short of his goal, as the Broncos' outside linebacker was placed on injured reserve Saturday because of a foot injury suffered early in the Broncos' 13-6 loss last week to Pittsburgh.
Browning will miss at least four games. Although productive when healthy, Browning has never played in more than 14 games in a season since he was the Broncos' third-round draft pick in 2021.
His roster spot was filled by receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey, who was promoted from the practice squad. The veteran Humphrey had been elevated from the practice squad to the game roster in each of the Broncos' first two games, then reverted back to the practice squad the day after those games. He had a drop in the opener at Seattle but rebounded with four catches for 50 yards last week against Pittsburgh.
The Broncos also elevated two practice-squad players — running back Tyler Badie and safety Tanner McCalister — for their game here Sunday against Tampa Bay. Badie had one carry for 16 yards last week against the Steelers and is expected to get more action against the Buccaneers. McCalister played in three games for the Cleveland Browns last year.
