Denver Broncos lose promising WR for Pittsburgh Steelers game

Denver Broncos wide receiver Devaughn Vele will miss the team’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday with a rib injury. Vele, an undrafted free agent out of Utah in the 2024 NFL Draft, impressed this offseason to earn a starting job with the team.

Vele was the team’s leading receiver in his first game, totaling 39 yards on eight receptions. A bigger wide receiver, Vele embraced Denver’s role of big slot wide receiver to get him the ball in space. His direct replacement for the game will likely be wide receiver Marvin Mims. In addition, rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin, who was a highly-touted prospect, will make his NFL debut with Vele out.

Vele is the only player the Broncos ruled out. Offensive tackle Garett Bolles and wide receiver Josh Reynolds, both of whom missed practice early in the week, logged full practices on Friday. They do not have an injury designation and will play.

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