Last week, the Denver Broncos cut veteran receiver Josh Reynolds just before his deadline to return from injured reserve.
It was a somewhat surprising decision, but if the Broncos did not activate Reynolds to the 53-man roster, both alternatives were cutting him or leaving him on IR for the remainder of the season. By waiving him, Denver gave Reynolds the opportunity to continue playing in 2024, and he was picked up by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
At the end of the bye week, Broncos coach Sean Payton was asked about the team’s decision to waive Reynolds.
“From a roster management standpoint with Josh, it became about numbers,” Payton said. “He did a great job. We wish we could have kept him, but with the guys being healthy and coming off injured reserve, we had to have space. Some of the younger guys are playing well and I wish him well. best He’s one of those guys who helped us get to where we are right now.
Courtland Sutton remains the team’s No. 1 receiver while rookie Devaughn Vele emerges as a promising No. 2. Lil’Jordan Humphrey is a key blocker, Marvin Mims has seen his role grow this season and Troy Franklin continues to develop. With a crowded WR room and other players returning from injuries, Denver had no room for Reynolds.
Reynolds had 12 receptions for 183 yards and a touchdown in five games with the Broncos this season. He thanked the team on social media for his time in Denver after being let go last week.
Payton also recently addressed the departure of linebacker Kwon Alexander. Last month, after the Broncos promoted linebacker Zach Cunningham from the practice squad to their active roster, Alexander joined the Detroit Lions’ active roster.
“I’m happy for Kwon,” Payton said on November 30. “I had a good visit with him. We’ve been together before and it’s a good opportunity for him, but we knew it was going to happen with Zach.”
Reynolds and Alexander will now get fresh starts in Jacksonville and Detroit, respectively, as the Broncos move forward with their in-house players.
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This article was originally published on Broncos Wire: Sean Payton explains his decision to cut Josh Reynolds
