The Denver Broncos made a shocking move on Tuesday by waiving wide receiver Josh Reynolds, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering what prompted the decision. Reynolds, a talented but injury-plagued receiver, hasn't seen action since Week 5 of the season and was currently on injured reserve.
According to league rules, players on injured reserve are eligible to return to practice after a certain period, and it appears Reynolds recently hit that mark. However, instead of activating him and working him back into the lineup, the Broncos chose to release him outright.
This move raises questions about the team's thought process and whether there were issues beyond just Reynolds' injury.
Reynolds, who joined the Broncos during the offseason, was expected to be a key contributor to the team's receiving corps. He showed flashes of promise in training camp and the preseason, and many thought he would emerge as a top target for quarterback Russell Wilson.
But things didn't go as planned. Reynolds suffered an injury early in the season and was eventually placed on injured reserve. The team's receiving corps has been a point of concern all season, and many fans had hoped that Reynolds would be able to return and provide a spark.
Now, with Reynolds no longer in the picture, the Broncos' receiving corps looks even thinner. The team will likely have to rely on its remaining healthy receivers, or possibly look to make a move via trade or free agency.
As for Reynolds, he'll now become a free agent and will be able to sign with any team he chooses. It will be interesting to see where he ends up and whether he can put his injury issues behind him and finally show what he's capable of on the field.