Troy Franklin suddenly has chance to become exactly what Bo Nix needs

During the 2025 season, Troy Franklin was second among all Denver Broncos offensive skill players in targets (70). So far in 2026, he's only been targeted four times in four games, and just two receptions overall.

Despite his lack of involvement so far in 2026, he now has the chance to become exactly what quarterback Bo Nix needs after a rough stretch to start the season.

The Broncos lost breakout receiver Pat Bryant to an ankle injury against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 4. While it appears as though Bryant has avoided a long-term or season-ending injury, someone is going to have to step up in his absence -- however long it may be -- and Franklin is the next man up.

Franklin, of course, is no stranger to being a favorite target of quarterback Bo Nix, even dating back to their time together at Oregon. Now, Nix may need him more than ever before.

Broncos desperately need Troy Franklin to step up with Pat Bryant injured

Franklin has been a big play threat for the Broncos before, and they need him to be one again. He took a huge step forward as a player in 2025 with 65 receptions for 709 yards and 6 touchdowns, proving to be one of the Broncos' most valuable weapons in the red zone (and on two-point plays).

As good as Franklin was in his second NFL season compared to his rookie year -- which was loaded with missed opportunities and drops -- he's taken a backseat this year to both Jaylen Waddle and Pat Bryant.

Through three games, we've seen Franklin on the field for 75 total snaps, or 31 percent of the offensive snaps so far. That would be the lowest percentage of his NFL career if it holds up, even lower than his rookie year when he played just 37 percent.

The Broncos are trying to get back on track against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 5, but the offense is trying to really put together its first truly "good" game of the season yet. They played much better against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and had a fantastic second half against the Rams, but both the Chiefs game and 49ers game were shockingly awful.

Not that Franklin, on his own, is going to be able to fix the offense. But he can provide a spark and take advantage of his opportunities. The loss of Pat Bryant is much bigger than people may realize. He was one of the only consistent sources of production so far this season.

Franklin isn't the exact same type of player, but he's fully capable of making plays in space, after the catch, and to all levels of the field.

Again -- we've seen it.

And nobody needs Franklin to step up with his number being called more than Bo Nix. Nix has had a tough start to the 2026 season coming off of the ankle injury he suffered against Buffalo in the playoffs. He doesn't look like the same guy who has decimated defenses in the past. He doesn't appear to be playing with the highest level of confidence we've seen in his two-plus NFL seasons.

Franklin can help jumpstart things. Of course, you'd rather none of this be happening because the team is dealing with an injury, but Franklin emerging from this point could even give the Broncos an excuse to give him a bigger role even when Bryant comes back, perhaps at the expense of the struggling Courtland Sutton.

Either way, this is a huge spot for Franklin, and a big game from him against the Chargers could jumpstart the Denver offense.

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