Sports

Actions

Broncos officially sign former Lions running back Theo Riddick

Posted
and last updated

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) -- Free agent running back Theo Riddick has signed with the Denver Broncos following his surprising release from the Detroit Lions last month.

The pass-catching back with 285 catches over six seasons in Detroit provides new Denver offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello with another valuable target for QB Joe Flacco.

Riddick was second on the Lions last season with 61 catches for 384 yards. He also rushed for 171 yards on 40 carries.

Since entering the NFL in 2013 as a sixth-round pick out of Notre Dame, Riddick ranks among the league leaders by a running back in TD receptions (14-second) and catches (third) and his 2,238 receiving yards rank fourth.

In Denver, Riddick joins a backfield that features second-year pros Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman.

The Broncos also placed defensive lineman Billy Winn (arm) on injured reserve Sunday.