Denver Broncos sign receiver/returner Quan Cosby

Wide receiver Quan Cosby returns a punt for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2009. (AP Photo/David Stluka)

The Denver Broncos addressed their seriously ailing wide receiver depth Tuesday, signing former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Quan Cosby. Running back Jeremiah Johnson was waived to make room on the Broncos’ 53-man roster.

Cosby (5-9, 189) is a third-year player who signed with the Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2009. In 32 career games, Cosby totaled six receptions for 71 yards (11.8 avg.) in addition to extensive return duties on special teams. He totaled the second-most punt returns (70) in the NFL from 2009-10, averaging 10.0 yards per return along with 16 kickoff returns (17.7 avg.). His 474 punt return yards in 2009 set a Bengals record and led the NFL.

In college, Cosby played 52 games (32 starts) in four seasons at Texas, finishing second in school history in receptions (212), third in receiving yards (2,598) and fourth in receiving touchdowns (19).

The Broncos also welcomed back tight end John Nalbone to their practice squad. Nalbone (6-4, 255), a 2009 fifth round draft pick of the Miami Dolphins, finished last season on the Broncos’ practice squad.

Cosby’s no Brandon Lloyd, but at least he’s better (I presume) than Tim Tebow. Plus it’ll be good to get the blossoming Eric Decker off return duties. … Don’t be surprised if the Broncos sign another receiver anyway this week.