ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) - Former Washington State slot receiver River Cracraft tweeted Tuesday that he’s joined the injury-ravaged Denver Broncos, who lost Emmanuel Sanders and Isaiah McKenzie to ankle injuries last weekend.
Cracraft caught 218 passes for 2,701 yards and 20 touchdowns over four seasons for the Cougars. He went undrafted in April after missing the last three games of his senior season with a torn ACL.
On Tuesday, the Broncos (3-2), who visit the Los Angeles Chargers (2-4) this weekend, released defensive lineman Ahtyba Rubin and placed guard Billy Turner on injured reserve following surgery on his left hand, which he broke Sunday.
Rubin played sparingly in two games for Denver after signing Sept. 15. Rubin had been released by the Seahawks on cut day.
Turner, a fourth-year pro claimed off waivers by the Broncos last season, underwent surgery Monday on his right hand, which he broke Sunday in his first game of the season. Turner replaced right tackle Menelik Watson (calf) but got hurt on a fourth-quarter sack of Trevor Siemian by Jason Pierre-Paul.
He finished the game but 24 hours later underwent surgery in Vail, Colorado.
With Cody Latimer (knee) hurt along with Sanders and McKenzie, the Broncos were down to just three receivers in Demaryius Thomas, who’s hobbled himself, Bennie Fowler and Jordan Taylor. They also have Hunter Sharp on their practice squad.
On Wednesday, outside linebacker Shane Ray (wrist) returns to practice for the first time since training camp. He can be activated Oct. 30 against Kansas City. Rookie tight end Jake Butt (knee) also makes his debut Wednesday, triggering a 21-day window in which the Broncos will have to activate him or leave him on the injured list for the rest of the season.
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