Jaylen Waddle made an immediate impression in his first appearance for the Denver Broncos, catching a 35‑yard pass on the opening drive that set the tone for the team's offense.
Three plays later the Broncos capitalized, scoring a touchdown that showcased Waddle’s ability to translate a big play into points.
Veteran lineman Quinn Meinerz praised the rookie, calling his performance "awesome" and highlighting the energy he brought to the field.
A Promising Start
Coach Sean Payton also noted the catch‑and‑run as a solid explosive play, indicating that Waddle was fully ready to contribute at game speed.
Although the Broncos fell 33‑13 to the Green Bay Packers, the loss was tempered by the fact that many starters left the game with a 10‑7 lead, and the team’s depth was tested.
Waddle’s return came after missing the preseason opener due to a strain, but he practiced for three consecutive days before being cleared to play.
The positive reception at Empower Field at Mile High underscored the excitement among fans, who welcomed the new weapon in the Broncos’ arsenal.
Looking ahead, Denver will host the Minnesota Vikings in its preseason finale on August 28, 2024, offering another chance for Waddle to build chemistry with the offense.