Denver Broncos calling up WR Fred Brown from the practice squad

The Denver Broncos are reportedly calling up wide receiver Fred Brown from the practice squad. What does he bring to the table?

The Denver Broncos are promoting wide receiver Fred Brown from the practice squad to the active roster, according to multiple reports.

Troy Renck was the first one on the scene for this one.

As a corresponding move, the Broncos waived receiver/punt returner River Cracraft, who was brought back after the team lost Tim Patrick to a broken hand.

Brown had a strong offseason for the Broncos and was the first receiver listed in the WR6 on the initial depth chart that was released by the team. The Broncos obviously have liked what they’ve seen from Brown enough to keep him on the practice squad but his promotion to the active roster is telling of the team’s need for a little jolt of speed and playmaking ability.

Fred Brown at a glance

• Height: 6-1
• Weight: 195
• College: Mississippi State
• 40 time: 4.48
• Vertical: 37 inches
• Jersey number: 19

Preseason stats

• 8 receptions
• 90 yards
• 1 touchdown

Brown was continually making plays throughout training camp and the preseason and wound up being one of the top performers in the Broncos’ final preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals with five catches for 66 yards and a touchdown.

Brown spent some time with the Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2017. He signed a futures deal with Sean McVay and the Rams in the 2018 offseason and when he was waived that August, it was the last time he’d appear on an NFL roster until the Broncos signed him to a futures deal on New Year’s Even in 2018.

He worked hard this offseason and obviously made a big impression on the coaching staff, big enough for them to think he could make an impact not only on offense but possibly on special teams.

If you’re a bottom-of-the-roster receiver, you have to be able to run down the field on kick and punt coverage and make plays. Brown can certainly do that and proved he could in preseason play.

We’ll see what the Broncos have in mind with Brown coming up or how long he’s on the active roster but hopefully, he and the other receivers on the team can provide some more spark in the passing game.