CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- Two weeks ago, Gary Kubiak provided a window into Monday's move to add Justin Forsett.
Ronnie Hillman was available. The Broncos were thin at running back and Hillman knew the offense. Change all of the Hillmans to Forsetts and the reasoning remains the same. With Kapri Bibbs in a walking boot with a left high ankle sprain, the Broncos claimed the veteran Forsett on waivers. To make room on the 53-man roster, the Broncos placed Bibbs on injured reserve.
"Thanking God so much for opening doors!" Forsett tweeted.
Forsett reunites with coach Gary Kubiak, who helped him to his best NFL season. In 2014 with Kubiak serving as Baltimore's offensive coordinator, Forsett ran for a career-high 1,266 yards and eight touchdowns. He has struggled to gain traction since, cut by the Ravens and Lions this season.
"We hate to lose Kapri," Kubiak told NFL Radio. "Forsett was out there. He played really well in Baltimore, and knows us."
Forsett is familiar with the Broncos' terminology, allowing for a seamless transition as a backup for rookie Devontae Booker. Forsett helped friend and fellow University of California running back C.J. Anderson accelerate his learning curve last season.
"He will be solid," Anderson told Denver7. Anderson remains hopeful of returning this season after knee surgery.
Forsett has rushed 44 times for 136 yards in stints with the Ravens and Lions this year. The Broncos produced 104 yards on the ground at Tennessee, led by Bibbs' 49. Booker muscled for 35 yards on 18 carries. His highlight came on a 6-yard touchdown run, aiding by the pushing and pulling of guard Michael Schofield and tackle Russell Okung.
"Hey, it counted," Booker said Monday.
An MRI showed no fracture for Bibbs, leaving him hopeful of a quick recovery. But he won't be playing anytime soon after the IR designation.
Footnotes
Defensive end Billy Winn survived a scare when he jammed his neck in Sunday's win. He felt much better on Monday and told Denver7, he "absolutely plans to play" against Tennessee. ... Linebacker Brandon Marshall's left hamstring remains an issue. Marshall has not played up to his own expectations this season, in part, because of the lingering hamstring problem. He aggravated it against Jacksonville, leaving his status for Tennessee uncertain. ... Kalif Raymond provided a lift on punt returns. He will keep the job. He rebounded nicely after costing the Broncos' field position on his first attempt. Raymond settled down after getting hit. "It's like boxing. Everybody has a plan until you get punched in the mouth that first time, then that plan goes away. Once I get hit (in football), it wakes me up." ... Why is Forsett needed? Devontae Booker continues to battle through a shoulder injury. "In this game, we all have to fight through injuries. That's what I am doing."
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