Brandon Johnson Injury News & Updates

The Buccaneers signed Johnson to the practice squad Wednesday, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

Johnson's addition to the Buccaneers' practice squad will give the team additional depth at wide receiver after Mike Evans (collarbone) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday. Johnson was waived by the Steelers with an injury settlement in late August due to a foot injury he sustained during preseason action, but the 27-year-old wideout appears to have fully recovered from the injury and will get a new opportunity in Tampa Bay.

The Giants hosted Johnson (foot) for a workout Friday, Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reports.

Johnson was with the Steelers in training camp before suffering a foot injury in the preseason finale against the Panthers. Johnson and the Steelers reached an injury settlement in late August, and the 27-year-old wideout has progressed enough in his recovery to work out with teams in an attempt to catch on with their practice squad. He appeared in three regular-season games for Pittsburgh in 2024 and logged one catch for nine yards.

The Steelers waived Johnson (foot) from injured reserve with an injury settlement Friday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Johnson suffered a foot injury during the Steelers' preseason finale against the Panthers. The injury settlement allows the 27-year-old wideout to sign with another team once he is fully healthy. Johnson has played in 23 regular-season games since entering the NFL in May of 2022 as an undrafted free agent.

Johnson (foot) reverted to Pittsburgh's injured reserve list Wednesday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Johnson wasn't picked up by another team after the Steelers waived him with a foot issue Tuesday, so he's now going back to their injured reserve list. He'll have to stay there for the whole 2025 campaign unless he can negotiate an injury settlement with Pittsburgh.

Johnson (foot) was waived with an injury designation Tuesday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Johnson will miss the 2025 season due to the injury, barring an injury settlement. The 27-year-old wide receiver has 23 games of regular-season NFL experience, including three with the Steelers in 2024.

Johnson (foot) is questionable to return to Thursday's preseason finale against the Panthers, Burt Lauten of the Pittsburgh Steelers Communications reports.

Johnson suffered a foot injury in the first half against Carolina, placing some doubt on his ability to return. The wide receiver failed to record any stats before departing the game.

Johnson secured both of his targets for 12 yards during Saturday's 31-25 preseason win over the Jaguars.

Johnson spent most of last season on Pittsburgh's practice squad, and he remained in the organization during the offseason after signing a reserve/future contract with the team. While the Steelers parted ways with George Pickens during the offseason, they acquired DK Metcalf, and it seems unlikely that Johnson will see consistent time on the team's 53-man roster.

The Steelers signed Johnson to a reserve/future contract Tuesday.

Cut by the Broncos ahead of Week 1 last summer, Johnson spent the entire season in Pittsburgh, toggling between the active roster and practice squad. He appeared in three regular-season contests, catching one pass for nine yards. Known mostly for his willingness as a blocker out wide, Johnson will look to earn a role with the Steelers this upcoming offseason.

Johnson reverted to the Steelers' practice squad Tuesday.

Johnson was elevated for Pittsburgh's win over the Giants on Monday but didn't see the field. Since he has now been elevated three times, he'll have to sign with the 53-man roster if he's going to suit up again for the Steelers.

The Steelers elevated Johnson to their active roster ahead of Monday night's matchup against the Giants, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Johnson was also elevated for the Steelers' Week 7 win over the Jets but didn't see the field. He'll add depth to Pittsburgh's wide receiver room, as rookie Roman Wilson (hamstring) was just placed on injured reserve Monday. Expect Johnson to serve as a depth piece in the Steelers' WR corps while potentially contributing on special teams in Week 8.

Johnson reverted to Pittsburgh's practice squad Monday.

Johnson was elevated for the second time this season to provide extra depth with Roman Wilson (hamstring) out. However, Johnson failed to record any stats and played only a mere 10 offensive snaps.

The Steelers elevated Johnson from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday.

It's the second time this season that Johnson has been elevated from the practice squad. In his first outing, he caught his lone target for nine yards in Week 5 against the Cowboys.

Johnson reverted to the Steelers' practice squad Monday.

Johnson caught his only target for a nine-yard gain in Pittsburgh's Week 5 loss. He'll work to get another chance with the active roster in Week 6 against the Raiders.

The Steelers elevated Johnson from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday.

Johnson signed with the Steelers' practice squad in late August after failing to make the Broncos' 53-man roster at the conclusion of training camp. With Denver last season, Johnson registered 19 catches (on 30 targets) for 284 yards and four touchdowns across 13 regular-season games.

Johnson signed with the Steelers' practice squad Wednesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Johnson was waived by the Broncos on Tuesday, but he's already found a new home on the Steelers' practice squad. The 26-year-old wide receiver spent the first two seasons of his career in Denver, catching 25 of his 44 targets for 326 yards and four touchdowns in 20 regular-season outings.

The Broncos waived Johnson on Tuesday, Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette reports.

Johnson was a favorite of coach Sean Payton last season, seeing action in 13 games while making a pair of starts. He finished with 19 catches for 284 yards and four touchdowns on 30 targets spanning 343 offensive snaps. With the additions of Josh Reynolds and rookie fourth-rounder Troy Franklin, Johnson loses his spot on the 53-man roster. There's a solid chance the Broncos view him as a practice squad candidate.

Johnson caught both his targets for 83 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 38-12 preseason win over the Cardinals.

The third-year wideout showed some good chemistry with Zach Wilson, hauling in a 37-yard pass late in the third quarter to set up one TD before snagging a 46-yard touchdown pass of his own in the fourth. Johnson is fighting with 2024 fourth-round pick Troy Franklin and others for a spot at the bottom of the Broncos' wide receiver depth chart, but Sunday's performance may not have been enough to secure a place on the 53-man roster.

Johnson played in 13 games during the 2023 campaign, finishing with 19 receptions on 30 targets for 284 yards and four touchdowns.

Johnson played in a depth role in the Broncos' wide receiver corps, limiting his opportunities throughout the season. Despite this fact, the wideout's four touchdowns were good for the second-highest total among all pass catchers in Denver. Johnson is under contract through the 2024 season before becoming a restricted free agent in 2025. Heading into next season, Johnson may find it difficult to find the field consistently again if fellow receivers Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy and Marvin Mims remain on the roster.

Johnson secured four of six targets for 27 yards in Sunday's 16-9 win over the Chargers.

Johnson's four catches and six targets Sunday were his most in a game this season in both categories. In addition, the veteran played 84 percent of the Broncos' offensive snaps, the most of any Denver wideout in the contest. With the Broncos eliminated from playoff contention, it's possible Johnson could maintain an elevated workload heading into Week 18 matchup against the Raiders, especially if Courtland Sutton (concussion) and Marvin Mims (hamstring) remain sidelined.

Brandon Johnson caught three of five targets for 47 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 26-23 loss to the Patriots.

Johnson saw increased playing time Sunday with Courtland Sutton (concussion) exiting the contest early in first half. The wideout played 68 percent of the Broncos' offensive snaps, the second-most of any receiver behind Jerry Jeudy. In 11 appearances this season, Johnson has now recorded 11 catches for 169 yards and four touchdowns. The 25-year-old could see similar usage in a Week 17 matchup with the Chargers if Sutton remains sidelined, but he would be difficult to trust for fantasy purposes.

The Broncos activated Johnson (hamstring) to their active roster Saturday, Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette reports.

Johnson is set to appear in his first game since Week 7 this Sunday, and it now seems as if he's completely moved past his hamstring issue. The 25-year-old wideout has appeared in seven games for the Broncos this season, catching eight of his 13 targets for 122 yards and three touchdowns.

The Broncos designated Johnson (hamstring) to return from injured reserve Wednesday, Aric DiLalla of the team's official site reports.

Johnson has been out since Week 8 because of a hamstring injury but is closer to making his return to the field. Denver will now have 21 days to officially activate the 25-year-old off injured reserve.

The Broncos placed Johnson (hamstring) on injured reserve Saturday, Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post reports.

Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reported Friday that Johnson was considered a game-time call for Sunday's contest against the Chiefs after sustaining an injury during Thursday's practice, but his inability to practice Friday indicated that the injury was more severe than previously thought. Johnson will now have to sit out for the next four games and will be eligible to return against the Texans on Dec. 3.

Johnson (hamstring) didn't practice Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Kansas City.

According to coach Sean Payton, Johnson will be a game-time decision after injuring his hamstring during Thursday's practice, per Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site. Given Johnson's inability to practice Friday and the high risk of further complications with playing through soft tissue injuries, the wide receiver is more likely than not to sit out Sunday, though official word on Johnson's status will come in shortly before the 4:25 p.m. EDT kickoff in Denver.

Johnson (hamstring) practiced on a limited basis Thursday, Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post reports.

The depth receiver's status seems up in the air as Sunday's game against the Chiefs approaches. Johnson played on 37 percent of the Broncos' offensive snaps in Week 7 versus the Packers but did not receive a target. The second-year pro has eight catches for 122 yards and three touchdowns in 2023.

Johnson failed to secure either of his two targets in Thursday's 19-8 loss to the Chiefs.

Johnson played just 16 of the Broncos 52 offensive snaps Thursday, playing behind both Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy. The second-year wideout did see the field slightly more than fellow receivers Lil'Jordan Humphrey and Marvin Mims, though Humphrey nor Mims earned any targets in the contest. On a day when the Broncos trailed the Chiefs from start to finish, quarterback Russell Wilson struggled to move the ball through the air. Johnson's limited usage and the offense's overall struggles prevented him and many other Broncos skill position players from producing much for fantasy purposes. Johnson will look to become more involved in a Week 7 matchup with the Packers, but he remains extremely difficult to trust for consistent production going forward.

Johnson secured his only target for nine yards in Sunday's 31-21 loss to the Jets.

Johnson played 51 percent of the Denver's offensive snaps Sunday, ahead of rookie wideout Marvin Mims. With that said, the veteran saw just one target for the second-straight week. Johnson should remain difficult to trust for consistent fantasy production, especially as Mims should continue to be brought along in the team's offensive plans. Nonetheless, the 25-year-old will look to be more involved in Denver's passing attack when the Broncos visit the Chiefs in Week 6.

Johnson caught his only target for four yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 31-28 win over the Bears.

Johnson made the most of his one target Sunday, finding the end zone in the third quarter to bring the Broncos within two scores of the Bears. After seeing three targets in each of the first three games, the veteran was less involved in Denver's offensive attack in Week 4. Meanwhile, rookie wideout Marvin Mims matched Johnson's offensive snap total for the first time this season, with both receivers playing 17 snaps. Through four weeks, it appears that Johnson and Russell Wilson have developed some chemistry, but Mims' big-play ability and increased involvement could point toward a changing of the guard at the No. 3 receiver spot. Nonetheless, Johnson will look to be more involved when the Broncos host the Jets stingy defense in Week 5.

Johnson caught two of his three targets for 12 yards in Sunday's 70-20 loss to the Dolphins.

Johnson played 60 percent of the Broncos' offensive snaps Sunday, operating as Denver's No. 3 wideout. Meanwhile, rookie Marvin Mims continued to play behind Johnson, logging just a 24 percent snap share. Unfortunately, the veteran was unable to produce much for fantasy purposes despite being in a pass-heavy game script for most of the contest. Going forward, its reasonable to think that Johnson could fall behind Mims on the depth chart if the first-year receiver continues to make big plays on an offense that desperately needs a spark. Nonetheless, the 25-year-old will look to keep a hold of his spot on the depth chart in a favorable matchup in Week 3, as the Broncos visit the Bears and their struggling defense.

Johnson caught two of three targets for 66 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 35-33 loss to Washington.

Johnson was the recipient of a Hail Mary attempt from Russell Wilson that bounced off of multiple players before landing in his hands for a 50-yard touchdown on the final play of regulation. The 25-year-old had just one reception for 16 yards prior to his improbable score, so fantasy managers should be careful not to overvalue his final line when scouring waiver wires this week. Johnson will continue serving as a backup option for Denver's upcoming tilt against Buffalo.

Johnson secured two of three targets for 31 yards in Sunday's 17-16 loss to the Raiders.

Johnson was on the field for 50 percent of the Broncos' offensive snaps Sunday, the third-most of all Denver wideouts. Surprisingly, the veteran played ahead of rookie standout Marvin Mims, nearly doubling his snap total. Johnson is likely to continue to see limited usage with a crowded group of pass catchers ahead of him in the Broncos' offensive attack. Fellow receiver Jerry Jeudy (hamstring) should return to action soon, which will further limit Johnson's potential going forward. The 25-year-old remains off the fantasy radar when the Broncos host the Commanders in Week 2.

Johnson (leg) practiced Tuesday, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Johnson suffered the injury more than two weeks ago and has been out of action since. The second-year-pro is likely near the bubble in regards to making the team's 53-man roster, so his return should be beneficial in his attempts to make the final cut.

Johnson suffered a leg injury during practice Tuesday, Troy Renck of Denver 7 News reports.

Johnson joined the Broncos in 2022 after going undrafted out of UCF. After initially starting on the team's practice squad, he earned a spot on the 53-man roster, appearing in seven contests and making six catches on 14 targets for 42 yards and a touchdown. He was having a terrific camp according to Renck, and was in the mix for a spot on the 53-man roster. The injury is not expected to be serious and he'll now focus on recovering and returning to the practice field.

Johnson caught six of 14 targets for 42 yards and one touchdown while playing seven games in the 2022 season.

Signed as an undrafted free agent before the season, Johnson did not see a significant amount of a playing time during the 2022 campaign. With that said, the rookie was one of only four wide receivers to record a touchdown grab for the Broncos this season. Johnson is under contract through the 2024 season before becoming a restricted free agent in 2025. The 24-year-old will look to retain a spot on the roster this offseason with a new coaching staff coming to Denver. Assuming he sticks with the Broncos, Johnson will likely find himself in an uphill battle for playing time once again in 2023, as fellow wideouts Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick (knee) and KJ Hamler (hamstring) are all under contract for next season. Proving to have some chemistry with Russell Wilson, Johnson could provide some solid depth at the position if and when injuries become an issue going forward.

Johnson is inactive for Sunday's game against the Rams.

Johnson caught three of his four targets for 30 yards in last week's win over the Cardinals, but with Courtland Sutton (hamstring) back in the mix Sunday, he's the odd man out in the Broncos' Week 16 wideout corps.

Johnson caught three of four targets for 30 yards in Sunday's 24-15 win over the Cardinals.

Johnson operated as Denver's No. 2 receiver behind Jerry Jeudy, playing 41 of the Broncos' 69 offensive snaps in the contest. The rookie's 30 scoreless receiving yards were second to only Jeudy, who finished the game with 76 scoreless yards of his own. Johnson's recent bump in playing time is a result of both Courtland Sutton (hamstring) and Kendall Hinton (hamstring) missing time, but his increase in usage has not resulted in much fantasy production. The 24-year old wideout will almost certainly see a substantial dip in playing time if Sutton or Hinton are active going forward. Johnson should remain far off the fantasy radar when the Broncos visit the Rams in Week 16.

Johnson failed to record a single reception on four targets in Sunday's 34-28 loss to the Chiefs.

With fellow receiver Courtland Sutton (hamstring) sidelined for the contest, Johnson was on the field for 74 percent of the Broncos' offensive snaps. The rookie wideout has now failed to record a catch in two straight games despite his bump in playing time. If Sutton continues to miss time, Johnson would likely play a similar role in the offense. Unfortunately, his lack of production keeps him far off the fantasy radar for a Week 15 matchup with the Cardinals, especially if Sutton returns to action.

Johnson failed to record a single target in Sunday's 10-9 loss to the Ravens.

Despite playing the second most offensive snaps (25) among Denver wide receivers, Johnson was a complete non-factor Sunday. The rookie's bump in playing time was the result of teammate Courtland Sutton exiting the game with a hamstring injury after playing just 23 snaps. With Sutton deemed "day-to-day" by head coach Nathaniel Hackett, Johnson could be in line for a similar workload in Week 14 when the Broncos host the Chiefs. Even if Sutton sits, Johnson will be extremely difficult to trust for fantasy purposes with the Broncos' aerial attack failing to take off.

Johnson was elevated to the Broncos' active roster Saturday, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Johnson is very likely to be active for the third straight game while being bumped up from the practice squad on each occasion. He has three catches for 12 yards and a score in his first two games, and his involvement in Week 13 against the Ravens could depend on whether Jerry Jeudy (ankle) is active.

Johnson reverted to the Broncos' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Johnson served as Denver's No. 3 wideout after being elevated from the team's practice squad for the second game in a row. While he played fewer offensive snaps (42) than top receivers Courtland Sutton (56) and Kendall Hinton (55), the 24-year-old Johnson wound up catching the Broncos' lone touchdown on one of his two receptions for 10 yards against Carolina. He will now be eligible for just one more game-day activation before requiring a full active-roster spot to continue playing for Denver this season. Johnson will likely stand to play a similar role if Jerry Jeudy (ankle) and KJ Hamler (hamstring) both remain sidelined against Baltimore in Week 13.

Johnson caught two of four targets for 10 yards and one touchdown in Sunday's 23-10 loss to the Panthers.

Johnson's one-yard touchdown was the first of his career and the only trip to the end zone for the Broncos in yet another disappointing outing. The rookie was elevated from Denver's practice squad for the second straight week with both Jerry Jeudy (ankle) and KJ Hamler (hamstring) sidelined for the contest. Johnson operated as the No. 3 receiver, playing 70 percent of the the Broncos' offensive snaps behind Courtland Sutton (93) and Kendall Hinton (92). Though he may have additional opportunities for playing time if Jeudy and Hamler remain out, the 24-year-old would be extremely difficult to trust to sustain fantasy relevance in the Denver's weak offensive attack. The Broncos visit the Ravens in Week 13.

Johnson was elevated by the Broncos from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of the team's game in Carolina on Sunday, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

Johnson will suit up for the second straight week with both Jerry Jeudy (ankle) and KJ Hamler (hamstring) ruled out for Week 12. In his first NFL game last week, Johnson logged 22 snaps on offense, catching his only target for a two-yard gain.

Johnson reverted to the Broncos' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Johnson played a relatively prominent role after being elevated from the Broncos' practice squad for the first time Week 11, as he caught one of his two targets for two yards. The rookie's 22 offensive snaps also ranked third amongst Denver's receiver corps, slotting in behind Courtland Sutton (59) and Kendall Hinton (56) but ahead of Jalen Virgil (seven) and Montrell Washington (six). With KJ Hamler (hamstring) expected to miss multiple weeks, Johnson could stand to see similar usage if No. 2 wideout Jerry Jeudy (ankle) remains sidelined Week 12 against Carolina.

Denver elevated Johnson from its practice squad Saturday for Sunday's matchup against Las Vegas, Nick Kosmider of The Athletic reports.

The undrafted rookie out of UCF was signed to Denver's practice squad in mid-October and will be active for his first NFL game in Week 11. Johnson flashed during training camp and caught four passes for 64 yards during the Broncos' preseason opener, but he suffered a high-ankle sprain during the team's final exhibition game. Jerry Jeudy (ankle) and KJ Hamler (hamstring) have both been ruled out and Kendall Hinton (shoulder) is questionable, leaving Jalen Virgil, Montrell Washington and Johnson as the top healthy wideouts behind Courtland Sutton.

The Broncos signed Johnson to their practice squad Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports.

Johnson reached an agreement with Denver's practice squad Tuesday, after he had previously spent time with the team throughout the offseason. However, the 24-year-old suffered a high-ankle sprain during the Broncos' preseason finale against the Vikings, causing him to be placed on the team's IR and eventually reach an injury settlement in early September. Now that Johnson is back with Denver's practice squad, he'll serve as an emergency depth option should any of the team's WRs miss time.

The Broncos waived Johnson (ankle) from injured reserve with an injury settlement Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports.

Johnson was set to miss the entire 2022 season after being placed on IR, but he'll now be free to join another team once he recovers from the high-ankle sprain he suffered during Denver's preseason finale against the Vikings. The Broncos signed the rookie wide receiver back in May, where he impressed and established trust with Russell Wilson throughout training camp.

Johnson (ankle) was placed on the Broncos' injured reserve Tuesday, Aric DiLalla of the team's official site reports.

Johnson was likely set to miss significant time after he picked up a high ankle sprain during Denver's preseason finale against the Vikings on Saturday. As a result, the Broncos will look to stash the 24-year-old wideout on injured reserve with his earliest return date set for the start of the 2023 campaign, barring any injury settlement with the team.

Johnson suffered a high ankle sprain in Saturday's preseason finale against the Vikings, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

The injury to Johnson's ankle came on the first play of the game as the the wideout was blocking on a run play and was rolled up on. Johnson's clarification that this is in fact a high ankle sprain certainly makes the outlook a bit more grim for the rookie who has had an impressive camp. An increased recovery timetable could lead to the 24-year-old missing the final roster cut ahead of the 2022 campaign.

Johnson suffered a sprained ankle in Saturday's game against the Vikings, Troy Renck of Denver 7 News reports.

Johnson sustained the injury in the first quarter and the wide receiver's chances of making the final roster could now be in question. The 24-year-old has had a very strong summer, but if the injury is significant, it's possible that he ends up missing the cut.

Johnson (ankle) will not return to Saturday's preseason finale versus the Vikings, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Johnson will miss the rest of the contest and can now be considered questionable for Week 1 against the Seahawks. The wide receiver had been impressing at camp after going undrafted this year. Johnson's exact injury remains unclear, but due to the fact that it was non-contact in nature, it could be significant.

Johnson is questionable to return after he suffered an ankle injury in Saturday's game against the Vikings.

Johnson went down with a non-contact injury after he was running a route, which has now been deemed as an ankle injury. More information on his status will likely be provided later in the night.

Johnson is impressing in training camp and gaining quarterback Russell Wilson's trust, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

Johnson signed with the Broncos this offseason as an undrafted free agent, and the 24-year-old is building quite the chemistry with Wilson thus far. The wideout practiced with the starters all week and is showing that he belongs with the likes of Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy. Offensive coordinator Justin Outten said Thursday, "He does things behind the scenes to put him in a really good spot and it's just working with what's expected from us as coaches and what's expected by Russell. He's been doing a really good job in all aspects, not just the pass game, but the run game, too." This is high praise for Johnson, who impressed in Denver's first preseason game against the Cowboys, reeling in four catches for 64 yards. The UCF product is making the most of his opportunity and has a chance to secure a depth role in the Broncos' talented receiving corps ahead of the 2022 campaign.