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Published on 10/10/2011 at Mon Oct 10 16:58.
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Broncos claim Johnson off waivers; place Vickerson on injured reserve

Posted Mon Oct 10th by

Quinn Johnson #44 of the Tennessee Titans makes a catch against Cassius Vaughn #41 of the Denver Broncos at LP Field on September 25, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee. Tennessee won 17-14. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

The Denver Broncos on Monday announced that the team has been awarded fullback Quinn Johnson (Tennessee) from waivers and has placed defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson on injured reserve with an ankle injury.

The team also waived Brandon Minor from the injured reserve list on Monday afternoon.  Vickerson was entering his second season with the Broncos as a starter and has totaled four tackles in four starts.  His absence will be felt on the defensive line.

It is expected that defensive tackle Marcus Thomas (who had eight tackles on Sunday) will start alongside Brodrick Bunkley (who has seven tackles this season) in Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins.

Johnson is a 6-1, 263 pound fullback who is entering his third season after being selected in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers.  Johnson played a role in Green Bay’s Super Bowl run last season before joining the Titans in the offseason.

Against the Broncos in Week 3, Johnson recorded two catches for 17 yards.  In 24 career games, Johnson has totaled eight catches for 60 yards. He has never had a rushing attempt, but Johnson appears to be a solid blocking fullback:

Broncos starting fullback Spencer Larsen does not have any known injuries and has been blocking well, contributing to running back Willis McGahee‘s 125-yard rushing performance on Sunday.  Larsen has also contributed as a skill player, gaining 57 yards of offense so far this season.

 

It’s not yet known if Larsen’s job is in danger of being taken — such a notion seems unlikely.  The Broncos may have signed Johnson as a special team’s player and for depth.  We’ll find out soon enough.

It’s a real shame that Vickerson is lost for the season.  He was a solid tackle.  I’m also intrigued as to why the Broncos signed another fullback.  Larsen has been playing well as far as I can tell.

  • rcsodak

    Evidently you misswd his “block” against sd’s NT? He hit Gurode(sp) and the NT thought a fly hit him. Larsen bounced off of him then his the turf. It was rather embarrassing to see a “LB/FB” do that. :(

  • VinceMarine

    I believe it’s for depth more than anything.  Also, we’ve been lacking this type of FB for a very long time.  Honestly, I think this whole year is going to be an audtion for the coaches to see who they are going to keep around when the rebuilding really re-starts.  I can’t explain any other reason why they aren’t signing any DT’s or OL.  EFX wants to see how the current roster plays then make the changes for next year.  Just my opinion.

  • Anonymous

    Why did the Titans let him go??? Thats more of what I’m wondering more than what role he’ll have…

    Its kinda like in my fantasy league right now… No one available is worth picking up ;-)…