Devaughn Vele emerged as the Denver Broncos’ No. 3 wide receiver in the team’s season opener behind Courtland Sutton and Josh Reynolds, leaving just 12 snaps on offense for Marvin Mims (Troy Franklin was inactive).
“It’s part of the challenges when we have multiple receiver groups,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said this week when asked about Mims’ limited role in Week 1. “Obviously, we anticipated him getting more than just 12 [snaps]. A lot of it depends on how much of the game we’re playing in nickel on offense, three receiver sets or base sets. That can vary, but I think you’ll see his pitch count week-to-week, depending on the team we’re playing, go up.”
Mims will undoubtedly have a bigger role against the Pittsburgh Steelers after Vele was ruled out with a rib injury. Franklin also expects to be active this week following the Vele injury.
“That’s just sometimes the flow of the game, but we’re going to do a good job of getting our guys the ball, getting our playmakers’ touches,” quarterback Bo Nix said this week when asked about WR targets. “Then the rest of the time when the ball is dispersed, we’re going to spread out.
“We’re just all going to do better at making plays and I think it starts with me getting those guys the ball. Knowing where guys are and how to involve everyone and then when they’re scramble opportunities, get those extra touches and extra yards in.”
Mims indicated that the Broncos “kept it basic” for Nix’s first start last week. He expects things to open up later in the season.
Broncos WR Marvin Mims Jr., on being patient while trying to get a larger offensive role, said they tried to keep it "a little basic" in Week 1.
"You just kind of maintain patience, wait for things to open up, settle how they are. I mean, we got Bo being a rookie quarterback,… pic.twitter.com/y3Q1NBOOmg
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) September 12, 2024
Denver’s game against the Steelers will be regionally televised on CBS. The Broncos are considered betting underdogs despite playing at home.
