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Published on 01/02/2010 at Sat Jan 02 13:12.
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Denver Broncos wide receiver Matthew Willis throws a pass as he waits to take part in drills at the team's NFL football training camp at Broncos' headquarters on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009, in Englewood, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Denver Broncos wide receiver Matthew Willis throws a pass as he waits to take part in drills at the team's NFL football training camp at Broncos' headquarters on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009, in Englewood, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

With Brandon Marshall out and Eddie Royal ruled out as well, the Denver Broncos added depth at wide receiver Saturday by signing Matthew Willis from the practice squad to the active roster.  To make room on the roster, tackle Herb Taylor was released.

The Broncos face the Kansas City Chiefs in their season finale Sunday. Before adding Willis, the only wide receivers available were Jabar Gaffney, Brandon Stokley, and Brandon Lloyd.

Willis (6-0, 190 lbs.) is a second-year wide receiver who joined the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent out of UCLA in 2007.  He bounced back and forth from the Ravens’ roster and practice squad before landing with Denver’s practice squad in December 2008, where he spent all 16 weeks of the 2009 season.

The last time the Broncos made a Saturday practice squad promotion was with CB Tony Carter, who started admirably at nickelback.  Hopefully Willis can take equal advantage of his opportunity.  Press release after the jump.

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BRONCOS SIGN WR MATTHEW WILLIS TO ACTIVE ROSTER; WAIVE T HERB TAYLOR

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos on Saturday signed wide receiver Matthew Willis to their active roster from the team’s practice squad, it was announced. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Denver also waived tackle Herb Taylor, who initially joined the club on Dec. 9, 2008 as a free agent before being waived on Dec. 19 and then re-signed on Dec. 29.

Willis (6-foot-0, 190 pounds), is a second-year wide receiver who spent the first 16 weeks of the regular season on Denver’s practice squad. He originally entered the NFL with Baltimore as a college free agent on May 4, 2007 from UCLA. He spent eight weeks on the Ravens’ practice squad in 2007 and eight games on the club’s active roster, appearing in five games and totaling one tackle on special teams along with an 11-yard reception on offense.

Willis spent the first two weeks of the 2008 season on Baltimore’s practice squad before being waived by the club. Willis was signed to Denver’s practice squad on Dec. 24, 2008.

At UCLA, he played two seasons of football after competing on the Bruins’ track team. He played 21 career games (3 starts) at UCLA, posting 24 receptions for 248 yards (10.3 avg.) with three touchdowns.

Willis attended Servite High School in Anaheim, Calif., and was born on April 13, 1984.

  • robtink242

    Okay I wish this guy well. Hope he puts on his best BEAST impression. Expect a lot of Brandon Lloyd I was surprise he wasn't playing in more games this season after a solid pre-season. But then again there no “oblivious” in Denver.

  • denverfanindallas

    denver used to be one of those teams you just knew what to expect (strong D, high powered O, great running game) now i dont know what to think. We have not pampered anyone (like we did Elway), our D is bi-polar, our running game has turned into WR screen passes, the only guys that deserves to get paid won't, and no one has any idea what is going to happen next! (i.e. Sheffler, Marshall, Cutler) all because of EGO… is JMcD really holding on to that much pride, that he will take the team down with him. Either pay him or cut him, this media jargon is crap!

    in my mind TEAM means everyone is on board. not “i will let you know when your needed” says the coach. how can these player be expected to buy into a team mentality when the guy calling the shots has the biggest head of them all… McD was fiery and justified when we were 6-0, but he seems to be kinda a sore loser…

  • herc_rock

    How about some Mustard w/ that Herb?

  • aerobronocs

    i love how I've been wanting to go to a broncos game here in Denver my entire life and im finally going today and Josh decides to bench some big playmakers because they cant all just get along.

  • vince_mairne

    I personally like the direction this team is headed. We were only expected to win 3-5 games this year? The hardline approach by McD has been long overdue in this locker room! Shanny babied these players way to much and now it's really starting to show. Players with a “I'm first” attitude will never succed in Denver and I'm happy for that. NOTHING and NO ONE are above the TEAM!!! Go Broncos!!!

  • aerobronocs

    i love how I've been wanting to go to a broncos game here in Denver my entire life and im finally going today and Josh decides to bench some big playmakers because they cant all just get along.

  • vince_mairne

    I personally like the direction this team is headed. We were only expected to win 3-5 games this year? The hardline approach by McD has been long overdue in this locker room! Shanny babied these players way to much and now it's really starting to show. Players with a “I'm first” attitude will never succed in Denver and I'm happy for that. NOTHING and NO ONE are above the TEAM!!! Go Broncos!!!