The Denver Broncos have been active in swiping players from the practice squads of teams around the league this season. Earlier this week, the team did it for a third time this season when they signed wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey off the practice squad of the New York Giants.
Humphrey spent the past two seasons with the Broncos before signing with the Giants in free agency this offseason. But he's long been a favorite of Sean Payton, who coached him with his first NFL team, the New Orleans Saints. When asked about how he felt about returning to Denver, Humphrey had this to say:
Lil'Jordan Humphrey on getting that call that he was wanted back in Denver and why he thinks he has earned the trust of Sean Payton: pic.twitter.com/ZrRZANAFJZ
— DNVR Broncos (@DNVR_Broncos) November 13, 2025
Many fans wondered why Payton was so high on Humphrey, as he was never a big part of the passing game. Those same fans were closer to furious when the team cut Tim Patrick last summer, seemingly in favor of Humphrey. But Humphrey does one thing very well, and he left that part out of his answer... He is a terrific blocking wide receiver.
This suggests that the Broncos are looking to get more help to open up lanes in the running game, particularly with J.K. Dobbins looking highly questionable for this Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, at the least.
The Broncos may also look to get the short passing game going in order to help Bo Nix get into an early rhythm. Payton loves to call the bubble screen to the wide receiver to help get Nix going, but that play has not worked well this season. It's likely that Payton feels the team needs Humphrey back in the mix to help set those plays up.
READ: 3 running backs Broncos should consider if J.K. Dobbins lands on IR
Humphrey's return to Denver is not likely to be one where the team signs him but makes him inactive for gamedays. Instead, Humphrey is likely to leapfrog a guy like Pat Bryant on the depth chart and see plenty of snaps starting this Sunday against the Chiefs.
More Broncos Content
NFL Picks, Predictions Week 11: Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs
NFL Power Rankings: Broncos make somewhat surprising move despite second-best AFC record
Denver Broncos have a growing issue at a position that was already a huge weakness
Denver Broncos swipe offensive lineman from Dallas Cowboys, place him on 53-man roster
Denver Broncos must find more snaps for little-used player following J.K. Dobbins news