Johnson recorded eight tackles, a pass defensed and a forced fumble during Sunday's 15-13 loss in Indianapolis.

EDGE Analysis

The Broncos are reeling, but the defense has been pretty stout in recent weeks thanks to Johnson, who has been a surprise find at inside linebacker after spending much of 2018 on the bench. Sunday was his third game with at least eight tackles in his last four games. Though he has just 1.5 sacks thus far, head coach Vic Fangio also hasn't been shy in sending him after the quarterback. Even with projected starters Todd Davis and Josey Jewell healthy, Johnson seems to have a hold on Jewell's starting spot.

Johnson recorded nine tackles and 1.5 sacks during Sunday's victory over Tennessee.

EDGE Analysis

Having finally jumped Corey Nelson and Josey Jewell on the depth chart, Johnson started at inside linebacker alongside Todd Davis each of the past two games. The results have been encouraging from both a real-life and fantasy point of view considering the 27-year-old recorded 17 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two pass breakups and one interception while seeing at least 87 percent of the snaps in each game. It seems highly unlikely Denver will go back to either Jewell or Nelson anytime soon, making Johnson an interesting IDP prospect.

With Davis (calf) on the shelf for the next few weeks, Johnson took the bulk of first-team reps alongside Josey Jewell on Friday, Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic Denver reports.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson racked up 424 tackles at Tennessee from 2011 through 2014, but he didn't see an NFL roster until Denver picked him up last year after he was found not guilty of rape charges. He was quiet last season as he adjusted back to the game, but the coaching staff obviously sees enough from him to vault him over the likes of Joe Jones and Keishawn Bierria. Davis figures to be back in the fold once the season starts, but the next few weeks could be big for Johnson, both for rotational purposes this season and if Denver decides to move on from Davis in 2020.

Johnson was released by the Broncos on Thursday, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson was cut to make room for fellow linebacker Jeff Holland on the 53-man roster. In his only game with the Broncos this season, Johnson played 13 special teams snaps and did not record a single defensive statistic. The 26-year-old will look to earn a depth role elsewhere in the league if he goes unclaimed on waivers.

The Broncos have signed Johnson, the team's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson, who played at the University of Tennessee from 2011-14, will add depth to the Denver linebacking corps. "A.J. hasn't had the opportunity to play football for the last three years while resolving a serious legal matter," Broncos President of Football Operations John Elway relayed Monday." We've had several conversations with him since he's been cleared and have become very familiar with his background and character. Our organization is confident A.J. is ready to move forward and resume his playing career."