Broncos rookie WR Troy Franklin excited to make NFL debut

ENGLEWOOD — With Broncos wide receiver Devaughn Vele ruled out for Sunday’s home opener against Pittsburgh, fellow rookie Troy Franklin is ready to make his NFL debut.

Vele was listed Friday as out due to a rib injury suffered in last Sunday’s 26-20 loss at Seattle. Franklin, who was inactive against the Seahawks, said he will be active against the Steelers to take Vele’s place.

“I feel good pretty good to make my debut out there,’’ Franklin told The Denver Gazette after a practice at Broncos Park. “I get to go out there and showcase my talent and help my team out. So it’s going to be a dream come true.”

Vele, who caught eight passes for 39 yards against the Seahawks, was Denver’s only player listed on the final injury report of the week. Tackle Garett Bolles (calf), wide receiver Josh Reynolds (Achilles), center Luke Wattenberg (ankle) and outside linebacker Jonah Elliss, who all had missed some practice time earlier in the week, were all full participants in practice Friday.

The Steelers listed as questionable former Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) and wide receiver Roman Wilson (ankle) and as out guard Isaac Seumalo (pectoral). Pittsburgh is expected to start Justin Fields at quarterback.

Franklin was taken in the fourth round of the NFL draft last April after playing alongside quarterback Bo Nix, now Denver’s starter as a rookie. But the two weren’t able to connect at Seattle due to Franklin being inactive.

“Obviously, you want to be out there suited up and play, but things happen,’’ Franklin said. “But I had to play my part. I supported my teammates and was a team player.”

Franklin said he had “good week of practice” and will be ready Sunday. But he didn’t deny there might be a few nerves.

“First time,’’ he said. “Maybe a little bit, but not too much. At the end of the day, it’s just football.”