Broncos place Hochstein, McKinley on IR, bring back Taylor

Denver Broncos offensive lineman Russ Hochstein (71) blocks Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Antwan Odom (98) in Cincinnati in 2009. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)

The Denver Broncos placed guard Russ Hochstein and rookie wide receiver Kenny McKinley on Injured Reserved Tuesday, the team announced. Hochstein had played in all 15 games this season (10 starts at left guard), while the rookie had played in eight games, returning seven kickoffs for 158 yards (22.6 avg.) and three punts for 32 yards (10.7 avg.).

Filling one roster spot is offensive tackle Herb Taylor, who was originally signed on Dec. 9th only to be waived Dec. 19th.

Welcome back to the starting lineup, Ben Hamilton. No word on another signing. Press release after the jump.

PLACE OL RUSS HOCHSTEIN AND WR KENNY McKINLEY ON INJURED RESERVE

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos on Tuesday signed free-agent tackle Herb Taylor, it was announced. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Denver also on Tuesday placed offensive lineman Russ Hochstein (knee) and wide receiver Kenny McKinley (knee) on injured reserve. Both players were injured in the team’s game at Philadelphia on Sunday.

Hochstein is a ninth-year offensive lineman who started the last eight games for Denver, including the last seven contests at left guard. He appeared in all 15 games (10 starts) since joining the Broncos in a trade from New England on Aug. 25.

McKinley, who was Denver’s fifth-round draft choice (141st overall) in the 2009 NFL Draft from the University of South Carolina, returned seven kickoffs for 158 yards (22.6 avg.) and three punts for 32 yards (10.7 avg.) in eight games (0 starts).

Taylor (6-foot-3, 295 pounds), who initially signed with Denver on Dec. 9 before being waived on Dec. 19, is a third-year tackle who entered the NFL with Kansas City as a sixth-round selection (196th overall) in the 2007 NFL Draft from Texas Christian University. Taylor was declared inactive by the Broncos at Indianapolis on Dec. 13 before being waived on Dec. 19.