Washington caught four of nine targets for two yards in 15 games this season. He also rushed five times for 30 yards.
What it means:
Washington finished his rookie campaign with minimal production despite playing in all but two games. The 23-year-old wideout saw limited playing time throughout the season as he remained buried on the depth chart. Heading into the 2023 season, Washington will look to make an impression on Denver's new coaching staff. However, the 5-foot-10, 170-pound receiver will likely face another uphill battle for playing time with fellow wideouts Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick (knee) and KJ Hamler (hamstring) all under contract for next season. As Washington continues to develop, he will likely operate in a depth role going forward.
Washington played three of the Broncos' 55 snaps on offense in Monday's 19-16 overtime loss to the Chargers, finishing with one reception for no yards on his lone target.
What it means:
Thus far during his professional career, the rookie fifth-round pick out of Samford has made his biggest mark as a return man rather than on offense. He's logged just three targets through Denver's first six contests and has carried twice for 28 yards.
Washington failed to play a single offensive snap in the Monday's 17-16 loss to the Seahawks.
What it means:
After and impressive training camp, Washington secured his role as the Broncos' returner on both kickoffs and punts. He returned three kickoffs for 51 yards, adding one punt return for three yards. The rookie wideout did not see any action with the offense as Denver's No. 4 receiver. One should assume that this will likely be the case moving forward barring injuries to fellow wideouts Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler. Washington should remain off the fantasy radar as the Broncos host the Texans in Week 2.
Washington failed to bring in his only target but rushed once for 11 yards and returned one punt for four yards in the Broncos' 23-13 preseason win over the Vikings on Saturday night.
What it means:
The rookie fifth-round pick couldn't follow up his back-to-back two-catch efforts to open the preseason, but he at least flashed with his one rush attempt. Despite the quiet showing overall Saturday, Washington still appears likely to open the season as the No. 4 receiver and also log some reps at returner after what has been a solid summer.
Washington caught two of three targets for 25 yards and returned two kickoffs for 55 yards in the Broncos' 42-15 loss to the Bills.
What it means:
Washington continues to make big-time plays for the Broncos as both a receiver and a returner. The rookie is receiving praise from both coaches and teammates, demonstrating that he can be a versatile weapon on offense and special teams. As Denver looks to find a way to replace Tim Patrick (knee), it seems increasingly plausible that Washington could lock himself in to the No. 4 spot on the wide receiver depth chart behind Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler.
Washington brought in two of four targets for eight yards, rushed once for minus-4 yards and returned two punts for 45 yards in the Broncos' 17-7 preseason win over the Cowboys on Saturday night.
What it means:
The rookie fifth-round pick has been turning heads in training camp, and he was able to carry over some of the momentum into his debut Saturday night while drawing the start and the first target of the contest. However, as his final in indicates, Washington's biggest contributions by far came as a returner, and the Samford product's ticket to ultimately latching on to a roster spot could well prove to be his prowess on special teams.
