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Denver Broncos: WR Raymond promoted to Active Roster

By Aric Manthey

Sep 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Kalif Raymond (19) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Kalif Raymond (19) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the Broncos return game in a state a flux, a move was made to help alleviate their struggles. On Friday, the Denver Broncos promoted WR Kalif Raymond.  How will Raymond’s presence on the active roster help the ailing Special Teams unit? Let’s find out.

After Sunday’s abysmal performance by the Special Teams unit, it became clear that a change needed to be made. Many will blame McManus for not making the game winning FG, but something else was a miss.  All puns aside, it was obvious that something else in the Special Teams unit stunk.

For whatever reason, Jordan Norwood picked the worst possible time to have the worst game of his career.  After committing an inexcusable turnover in opposing territory, fans and teammates were furious.  In fact, a teammate was so furious that he pushed Norwood.  I’ve seen a lot of things as a Broncos fan over the years, but that may have been a first.

Regardless, it was clear that some changes needed to be made. One change came today as rookie

Aug 11, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Kalif Raymond (19) returns a kick during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Kalif Raymond (19) returns a kick during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

WR Khalif Raymond was promoted to the Active Roster from the Practice Squad.  Raymond, a rookie from Holy Cross, is tiny in stature but blazing in speed.  Although he did not make the active roster out of Training Camp, he did leave a mark on the coaching staff.

In four preseason games, average on kick returns was just under 24 yards (23.9, to be exact).  That was 2nd best in the NFL during that stretch.

While he didn’t make a dent in the punt return game in preseason, one has to wonder if he’ll take both jobs from Norwood.  I, like many Broncos fans, will be interested to see what Raymond can do in regular season action.

With Raymond’s promotion, it does leave the Broncos with an interesting predicament. They now have eight(yes, EIGHT) WR’s on the active roster.

You’d have to think that at least one will be cut or put on IR soon. Eight just seems like a ridiculous amount to carry at one position.

That should be answered very soon as the Broncos head to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars this Sunday.

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