New Broncos running back Theo Riddick practiced with the team for the first time Sunday and coach Vic Fangio confirmed that Denver plans to use him primarily as a receiver out of the backfield.
“He’s had a good history in his career of being a good receiver out of the backfield and a good threat in that way,” Fangio said. “Obviously, we’ll see if we can fit him in that way — and he still has that going for him.
“He’s been a good receiver. I’ve seen him play the last four years in the same division and he had a couple good routes here today.”
It didn’t take long for Riddick to get in with the first-team offense and catch a pass from quarterback Joe Flacco.
“He looked real smooth today,” cornerback Chris Harris said. “He looked real smooth. I didn’t see him run the ball, more like catching the rock out the backfield and running routes. But he’s definitely going to be another threat — another receiving threat at the running back that we need.”
Riddick has hauled in 285 receptions for 2,238 yards since entering the NFL in 2013. He said after practice Sunday that he’s been a receiving threat since college.
“I played receiver for quite some time, so it’s kind of natural for me to be honest with you,” Riddick said. “I was always able to read coverages on the fly, so that helps as well. Again, I’ve just been very talented in terms of catching the ball and just took it and ran with it.”
Riddick might make his Bronco debut when Denver faces the Seahawks in Week 1 of preseason on Thursday evening.
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