Troy Franklin Steps Up in a Big Way as Broncos Find a Spark Without Pat Bryant
The Denver Broncos have been walking a tightrope all season - a team with a 12-2 record that’s leaned heavily on unlikely heroes to get there. But this week, with rookie wideout Pat Bryant sidelined, Denver needed someone else to answer the call. Enter Troy Franklin.
Bryant, who’s quietly become one of Bo Nix’s most trusted targets since midseason, was ruled out ahead of the Broncos’ matchup with the Packers. That absence loomed large.
Bryant’s chemistry with Nix - a connection built on timing, trust, and a shared understanding of the offense - has been a key part of Denver’s recent offensive rhythm. Losing him in a critical AFC showdown could’ve thrown the Broncos off balance.
But when things got tight, Franklin delivered.
The second-year receiver has had an up-and-down season - and frankly, an up-and-down career so far. He’s shown flashes of being a legitimate NFL weapon, but inconsistency and some costly drops have kept him from fully breaking out.
Over the past few weeks, his role had diminished as Bryant surged. His targets dipped.
His impact waned.
That changed against Green Bay.
With Bryant out, Franklin saw a bump in opportunities - and he made them count. He pulled in six catches from Nix, racking up 85 yards and finding the end zone for the sixth time this season.
It wasn’t just the numbers - it was the timing. Franklin made tough grabs in key moments, moved the chains, and kept the offense humming when it easily could’ve stalled.
This wasn’t a blow-the-top-off-the-defense kind of performance, but it was the kind of game that shows why the Broncos still believe in Franklin’s potential. He didn’t outshine Courtland Sutton, who continues to be Denver’s WR1, but Franklin’s presence was felt. He stepped into the void left by Bryant and gave the Broncos exactly what they needed: a reliable, explosive option who could stretch the field and keep pressure off the rest of the receiving corps.
There are still questions about Franklin’s long-term ceiling. The drop issues haven’t disappeared, and consistency remains a hurdle. But this was a reminder of what he can bring to the table - especially when the lights are brightest.
For a team that’s built its season on grit, depth, and timely contributions from unexpected places, Franklin’s performance was right on brand. And if the Broncos are going to make noise in the postseason, they’ll need more of this - not just from Franklin, but from anyone ready to seize the moment when their number is called.