Broncos waived or released RB Jeremiah Johnson, TE Jake O'Connell, OT Paul Cornick, DT Romney Fuga, S Ross Rasner and DE John Youboty. Johnson hasn't touched the ball since 2011, but managed to outlast Lance Ball (by a day) on the roster.

Broncos signed RB Jeremiah Johsnon, OT Paul Cornick, DE Ben Garland, DB Duke Ihenacho, and C Quentin Saulsberry to reserve/future contracts. All five players ended the season on the practice squad. Johnson appeared in eight games for the Broncos in 2011, rushing for 77 yards on 14 carries. Ihenacho bounced between the active roster and practice squad two separate times in 2012. This group will hope to make it through the spring and into training camp.

Broncos release RB Jeremiah Johnson from their practice squad. Denver is expected to re-sign him back early next week, but the move was made because the Broncos only have 52 players on their 53-man roster after starting tailback Willis McGahee was placed Wednesday on injured reserve with a designation to return. Because Johnson has three years of NFL service, the Broncos had to either promote Johnson from the practice squad to fill the vacated spot on the 53-man roster or release him.

The Broncos aren't expected to sign a free agent running back unless Willis McGahee is placed on injured reserve at some point. Steve Slaton reportedly had an impressive workout on Tuesday, but the Broncos are more likely to turn to practice squad RB Jeremiah Johnson if they need depth at the position.

Broncos promoted RB Jeremiah Johnson from their practice squad. Deep leaguers should keep an eye on Johnson, who will immediately take over as the third-string back in Denver's lopsidedly run-heavy attack. Always productive in preseasons, Johnson has not received an NFL carry in his career since going undrafted out of Oregon in 2009. For now, he'll replace Knowshon Moreno on the roster behind Willis McGahee and Lance Ball.

Broncos waived RB Jeremiah Johnson. It's a positive sign for Knowshon Moreno's (hamstring) availability this week. Johnson was added to the active roster when it became apparent that Moreno wouldn't play late last week.

Broncos promoted RB Jeremiah Johnson off their practice squad. Knowshon Moreno is officially listed as questionable, but the activation of Johnson indicates the Broncos know he won't play against the Bengals. An explosive back in a short area, Johnson has always looked good in preseason games.