ENGLEWOOD -- The Broncos moved on from a struggling player and signaled more opportunity for a rookie.
Denver waived cornerback Levi Wallace and promoted rookie running back Blake Watson to the active roster, the team announced on Tuesday.
The Broncos benched Wallace after poor outing in Week 13 against the Browns that he called "the worst game I played in the league." Rookie cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine (Missouri/fifth round) replaced Wallace with starter snaps opposite of Pat Surtain in the Broncos secondary. Abrams-Draine has recorded two pass deflections and one interception over his past two games.
Watson, a high-priority undrafted rookie signing (Memphis), made his first NFL impact Thursday night in a road loss to the Chargers. He ran 10 yards on four carries. Watson also caught one pass for 13 yards.
"It's never an easy decision. Hopefully, we'll see how it goes and we're able to get (Wallace) back (on the practice squad)," coach Sean Payton said after practice at Broncos Park. "Basically, you're trying to protect your roster at certain positions.
"I would say with the way that Kris Abrams-Draine (has played), some of those guys have been really stepping up. Again, keeping a young player like Blake Watson that others are trying to (sign). This is the time of the year where some of the teams that are maybe out of it or are trying to improve look into the future.
"It's always difficult roster management, though, and that's hard."
The Broncos (9-6) travel to face the Bengals in Cincinnati on Saturday with a chance to clinch a postseason berth.
Denver Broncos playoff odds drop to 76% after road loss to Chargers
Injury report: CB Moss, RB Badie full participants
Injured cornerback Riley Moss (knee) was listed as a full practice participant. Running back Tyler Badie returned to practice from injured reserve (back) as a full participant.
Moss has not played since Week 12 against the Raiders. He is on track to return with a strong week of practice. Badie last played in Week 4 at the Jets.
"(Badie's) clock began today. He's doing really well," Payton said. "He's smart and he knows the system, and that's a big plus."
Wide receiver Troy Franklin was listed as a full practice participant while dealing with an ankle injury. Running back Jaleel McLaughlin was limited due to a quad injury after missing the Chargers loss.
Former Broncos who scored just one NFL touchdown relish at least being 'in the books'
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Weather impact
Expect weather to potentially influence the Broncos-Bengals game.
9News meteorologist Chris Bianchi reported on social media that the forecast in Cincinnati "looks pretty soggy" on Saturday afternoon for the 2:30 pm (MST) kickoff at Paycor Stadium.
"Heavy rain possible, though some modeling keeps the heaviest rain post-game Saturday night," Bianchi posted on X (formerly Twitter). "15-25 mph gusts possible also. Looks like weather will be a factor on Saturday."
The Broncos played in one rain-soaked game previously this season. They defeated the Jets, 10-9, with driving rain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
"We've got to be cautious and play smarter," running back Audric Estimé said. "Coach Payton said he's going to have extra gloves with us on our sideline. We've got to be able to take advantage of that opportunity he's giving us."
Payton added: "Wet ball drills, all of that stuff, we've got to be prepared for any kind of weather."
Broncos/Bengals postseason paths
The Bengals (7-8) have a narrow path to reaching the NFL playoffs.
Cincinnati must close the season with victories over Denver and Pittsburgh. The Broncos would need to lose in their regular-season finale against Kansas City, too.
The Bengals also require the Dolphins and Colts to lose at least one more game. Miami travels to face the Browns and Jets. Indianapolis travels to the Giants and hosts the Jaguars.
There is just one scenario where Denver clinches a playoff spot in Week 17: A win or tie against the Bengals.
"All of our focus is on Cincinnati. Even with that tough loss that took, we've got to stay positive and keep moving forward," outside linebacker Johnathon Cooper said. "We've got to realize that everything we want is still ahead of us. We just have to go get it."