The Broncos were in desperate need of running back help. With C.J. Anderson already on injured reserve and Kapri Bibbs suffering an ankle injury that placed him right there next to him, Denver’s backfield was looking bare.
Enter, Justin Forsett.
Forsett may not be a superstar — given that he’s been on and off NFL rosters all season, he’s clearly on the backside of his career — but he’s exactly what the Broncos needed.
With every game crucial, Denver needs help right now, and there’s no running back more capable of contributing on short notice than Forsett, who has played two seasons in the Gary Kubiak offense, one in Houston and one in Baltimore.
When the Broncos take on the Titans this Sunday, the team expects him to play a major role from the first snap. Here’s what they had to say on Wednesday:
Gary Kubiak on what Forsett brings to the team:
“Justin is a real pro. He’s been doing this a long time. I had him in Houston for a period of time and I had him in Baltimore. He’s a three-down player. He understands protections. He understands exactly what we’re doing, so that’s nice to walk on the field today. We really didn’t have a new player in a lot of ways other than a new face. I think he can help us quickly. I think [RB Devontae] Booker can learn a great deal from him. We need somebody to step in and contribute. I think he gave us the best chance. We’re just very fortunate to have him.”
Kubiak on the importance of finding a running back who knows the system:
“I would say that it was a blessing that he got let go the week before what we just went through. With [RB] Kapri [Bibbs] and stuff, we just feel very fortunate to get him. Normally picking up players is one thing, but picking up guys who can come in and be in your huddle today, run plays, pick up blitzes and do all of that doesn’t usually happen. It’s a good thing for us.”
Kubiak on what he expects from Forsett this week:
“I expect him to play this week. How big is that? I don’t know. My expectations are for him to split time with ‘Book,’ just like Kapri would have. It’s not like he’s been sitting; he’s been playing. He’s been active all year, whether it was Baltimore or Detroit. I’m hoping he can help us really quick.”
OC Rick Dennison on what he expects from Forsett:
“He’s very familiar with what we’ve done with a couple of different teams. He always has been productive, and he always has been sharp on of his assignments, whether in Houston or in Baltimore. He just has to remember. I think that he’ll be ready. Knowing him, he is a quick study, and he works hard.”
Dennison on Forsett’s presence:
“He can help everybody. He’s a veteran that plays hard and works harder. It’s good for me to be around him again. He’s a good kid.”
Dennison on Forsett’s pass-blocking:
“He’ll do fine. The biggest part [is he] knows who to get, particularly, on teams that can bring multiple pressures like Tennessee can. [We’re] making sure that he stays on the same page with the offensive lineman which he’s always been good in that regard. We can pick right up where he left off.”
Forsett on how he fits the offense:
“It just works out. I spent a lot of time in it and received a lot of reps in it. My first introduction with it was with [Quarterbacks/Passing Game Coordinator] Greg Knapp in Seattle way back in my second year in the league. I got a lot of tutelage under Alex Gibbs, who was big in this offense and I then went to [Head Coach Gary] Kubiak in Houston. I’ve been with it since.”
Forsett on what he can bring to this offense:
“I know my skill-set that I provide. I’ll show some of that versatility, be able to run outside of the backfield, split out wide and run the ball. [I’ll put] a lot of work in the outside and inside zone schemes. My thing is that I want to come in here and be a spark. That’s my objective.”
Forsett on how he can help the younger players:
“That’s been my thing during my whole career. I want to be able to impact the guys; not only on the field, but off of the field. Taking the young guys under my wing and show them the things to do to be a good pro and play a long time in this league, that’s what I’m going to do.”