Holmes was released by the Broncos on Wednesday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Holmes was initially acquired by the Broncos on Dec. 5 after having been released by the Bills, and now hits the open market as an unrestricted free agent. The 30-year-old veteran caught his only target for a gain of five yards across three games in Denver, before suffering a high-ankle sprain during a Week 16 loss to the Raiders and being placed on injured reserve. The big-bodied receiver is expected to recover in time for offseason OTAs in the spring, and will work to land a depth role elsewhere in the league.

Holmes caught his lone target as a Broncos, a gain of five yards, and caught 12 of 23 targets as a Buffalo Bill, gaining 157 yards.

EDGE Analysis

Holmes was on the Broncos' roster for three games and was targeted just once before heading to injured reserve with an ankle injury. His future with the team is unclear. On one hand, he's a big-bodied veteran option who counts just $1.45 million against the cap in 2019. On the other, his signing was based on his familiarity with offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave's scheme and Musgrave is likely out following the firing of Vance Joseph. Even if he stays on in 2019, he's likely little more than a special-teams contributor and depth option as, outside of -- maybe -- Emmanuel Sanders, the Broncos figure to look to develop their young, talented targets in 2019.

Holmes (ankle) was placed on injured reserve Friday, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

EDGE Analysis

The move means little in regards to the severity of Holmes' left high-ankle sprain, simply that he would have been ruled out for Sunday's season finale against the Chargers. The 30-year-old may need some time to make a full recovery, but should be ready for offseason OTAs in the spring.

Holmes (ankle) wasn't taking part in the portion of Thursday's practice that was open to the media, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

EDGE Analysis

Holmes' inability to practice for the second straight day adds further credence to the report Mike Klis of 9News Denver issued Wednesday, wherein the wideout was revealed to be dealing with a high-ankle sprain that will likely keep him sidelined for the season finale against the Chargers. The Broncos will officially reveal Holmes' odds of playing in that contest or rule him out entirely when the team releases its final practice report Friday.

Holmes is dealing with a high left ankle sprain and is unlikely to suit up in Sunday's season finale against the Chargers, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

EDGE Analysis

Holmes isn't a significant part of the Denver passing game, but his likely absence for Week 17 represents yet another blow to a decimated receiver room that has already lost Emmanuel Sanders (Achilles) and Demaryius Thomas (traded to the Texans) for the season. With Holmes out of the mix for Sunday, River Cracraft is in line to serve as the Broncos' No. 4 wideout.

The Broncos have claimed Holmes off waivers, Zac Stevens of BSNDenver.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Holmes, who the Bills let go Tuesday, gives Denver some added wideout depth and experience, with Emmanuel Sanders dealing with an Achilles' injury. The team's other healthy options at the position are Courtland Sutton, DaeSean Hamilton, Tim Patrick and River Cracraft.

The Bills have released Holmes.

EDGE Analysis

The team also released Kelvin Benjamin on Tuesday, with the moves thinning out the Bills' wideout depth, but paving the way for younger and faster players to get more snaps. In 12 games this season, Holmes caught 12 passes for 157 yards. At 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, the 30-year-old brings good size to the table, but it's still hard to imagine him suddenly emerging as a red zone threat down the stretch, even if he catches on with a new team in short order.

Holmes caught his lone target for 21 yards during Sunday's 41-10 win over the Jets.

EDGE Analysis

Sunday was far and away Buffalo's biggest offensive outpouring of the season, but it didn't do much for Holmes, who has now caught one or no passes in five of his last six games. The statuesque target remains a good deep threat who might have the advantage of catching passes from the big-armed rookie, Josh Allen, following the bye. That's where the good news ends. Week 12 brings a Jacksonville defense giving up just 201 passing yards per game, the best in the league.

Holmes (neck) is active for Sunday's contest against the Jets.

EDGE Analysis

Holmes was a full participant at practice Thursday and Friday, so his active status isn't very surprising. He'll likely see his usual role as a depth wideout for Buffalo.

Holmes (neck) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets.

EDGE Analysis

Holmes began the week as a limited practice participant but put in full sessions Thursday and Friday, so he would appear on track to play Sunday. The 30-year-old has more than two receptions in only one game this season and should take up his usual depth role in the Bills' struggling passing game.