Blake

Watson

Restrepo had finally gotten elevated just before Thanksgiving before an ankle injury knocked him out for the season. He finished with three catches for 41 yards in two games. The Titans also signed DE David Ebuka Agoha, DB Keydrain Calligan, DT Timmy Horne, LB Nate Lynn, WR Hal Presley III, NT Isaiah Raikes, LB Cam Riley, RB Blake Watson, G Clay Webb and TE Joel Wilson to reserve/future deals.

The Broncos’ backfield is taking shape with Audric Estime and Watson being waived today. Watson had just four carries for 10 yards last season and suffered a PCL strain last week. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports there was some trade interest in him, so he is a candidate to be claimed. If not, the Broncos likely want him back on the practice squad.

Watson has played sparingly this season so his deactivation in a must-win game is unsurprising. The Broncos have a shot to secure a playoff spot against a Chiefs team that will rest all of its core players. The Broncos also declared LB Levelle Bailey, OT Frank Crum, DL Matt Henningsen, DL Eyioma Uwazurike and QB Zach Wilson (emergency third QB) inactive.

Watson is an undrafted free agent out of Memphis and has four carries for 10 yards this season. He made the initial 53-man roster for Denver, but was cut and re-signed to the practice squad in October. He returns to the active roster now to throw more hands into the murky Broncos backfield. CB Levi Wallace will be waived in a corresponding move.

This one comes as a bit of a surprise for a team with as many concerns as the Broncos have a running back. Despite his UDFA status, Watson is a talented rookie who made the Broncos 53-man roster out of training camp. The former Memphis product amassed more than 3,200 yards on the ground in his five-year college career, and added another 113-928-6 through the air. Watson would make for an intriguing signing for several teams in need of help at the position. If he clears waivers, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him revert to the Broncos’ practice squad.

With fellow rookie Audric Estime placed on injured reserve, UDFA Watson will serve as the No. 3 back. 24-year-old Watson is known for having some pass-catching chops. With the Broncos in “figure it out” mode, Watson might actually get a touch or two on Sunday.

Wilson will be the emergency third quarterback against the Seahawks on Sunday behind Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham. Franklin was a fourth-round pick who struggled early in camp, and will need to pick things up in practice to not earn the inactive designation going forward.

Watson did not enter the game until the fourth quarter, likely ending his late-round fantasy viability but his pass-catching juice remains undeniable. Watson should be safely stashed on dynasty taxi squads.

Watson had been battling a minor injury during the early parts of training camp but is now back with the team. The rookie UDFA is competing for a spot in a deep Broncos backfield that features incumbents Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, and Samaje Perine, and rookie Audric Estime. He faces an uphill climb to make the 53-man roster unless he can stand out in training camp, but he would be a priority candidate for the practice squad if he doesn’t make the original roster.

“I think we’ll have him back sooner than later,’’ coach Sean Payton said Thursday. “I’m not going to have a specific timetable, but I think we’ll be OK with him.” We’re only mentioning it because Watson was a buzzy UDFA, one whose name has been bandied about as a potential factor in the Broncos’ wide-open backfield competition. Needless to say, even a few days of missed time is a big deal for an undrafted rookie. Watson needs to get back soon.