Broncos elevate RB Tyler Badie and WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey to face Steelers

The Broncos elevated wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey and running back Tyler Badie from the practice squad to the active roster on Saturday ahead of their home opener against the Steelers.

Badie has appeared in one game over the past two years in Denver. In Week 17 of the 2022 season, he caught one pass for 24 yards against the Chargers. Badie is expected to be the third running back behind Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin on Sunday.

Rookie running back Audric Estime was placed on injured reserve Wednesday with an ankle injury.

Humphrey is being activated from the practice squad for a second consecutive game. He recorded a costly drop in the Week 1 road loss at Seattle. Humphrey can be elevated just one more time from the practice squad. He would need to be signed to the active roster to play in a fourth game.

Rookie wide receiver Devaughn Vele is out against Pittsburgh with a rib injury.

Forsyth staying ready

Second-year offensive lineman Alex Forsyth earned the No. 2 center job out of training camp. But the seventh-round draft pick has versatility to play guard if necessary.

“I’m just trying to get better at a couple of different things each day,” Forsyth told The Denver Gazette on Friday. “Then carry that over from last year to this year and maximize the reps that I get. ... You have to prepare like you’re going to be in the game. Because you might be counted on to go and perform.”

Forsyth was a college teammate at Oregon with starting quarterback Bo Nix.

“(Nix) is doing a really good job. It’s exciting to see,” Forsyth said. “It’s just cool to have some familiar faces.”

Opponent watch: Steelers OLB T.J. Watt

The Broncos face one of the most disruptive NFL players on Sunday in Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt. He tallied three quarterback hits, one sack and one fumble recovery in Pittsburgh’s season-opening win over Atlanta.

The Broncos are preparing for Watt similarly to another legendary NFL player: retired defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who compiled 111 sacks over 10 seasons with the Rams. Watt needs only 2.5 sacks to become the second-fastest player to reach 100 sacks in his career (Reggie White).

“(Watt) kind of has an Aaron Donald-like effect on the game,” offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said. “There are great players in this league, but there are just a couple guys that I can remember that are as disruptive consistently as this guy. So, you better know where he is every play.”

Briefly

Ex-Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson is making the trip to Denver, per media reports, but is not expected to play for the Steelers. Wilson is considered questionable with a calf injury. Justin Fields is expected to start for Pittsburgh. … Two Broncos defenders were fined by the NFL in a Week 1 loss to the Seahawks, the league announced Saturday. Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto was fined $8,791 for a first quarter hit on quarterback Geno Smith. Safety Brandon Jones was fined $11,255 for unnecessary roughness.