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ENGLEWOOD, Colo. —** The Broncos have promoted wide receiver Kalif Raymond to the active roster in the wake of placing fullback Andy Janovich on injured reserve.

Janovich, who suffered an ankle injury on the first play of Sunday night's game against Kansas City, had surgery on Tuesday.

Kubiak spoke highly of Raymond's understanding of the offense, in addition to a potential role on special teams, as reasons for his decision to activate the rookie receiver.

"He's just done such a good job," Kubiak said. "He understands what we're doing offensively and he can go in there and play in some of our three- and four-wide-receiver sets. So we'll give him a chance to help us out."

The Broncos explored Raymond's potential as a returner in the preseason, giving him the opportunity to return nine punts and nine kickoffs. He totaled 45 yards (5.0-yard average) on punt returns and 215 yards (23.9-yard average) on kickoffs in the preseason.

"He's going to play," Kubiak said. "Actually, I expect to suit he and Jordan [Norwood]. But he's definitely going to play. Really, it's a reward more than anything. And this kid does everything. [On] scout team, we rep him whether he's playing DB [or] wide receiver. So he deserves an opportunity to help us out. I know we've got a lot of active wide receivers, but we've had some issues at the running back position. We've been suiting six guys, Bennie [Fowler]'s nicked up. So we've got some things going on. This kid's deserved an opportunity."

With Fowler out with a knee injury and Janovich on his way to injured reserve, Kubiak saw a chance to give an explosive young player an opportunity to make an impact.

"As you go through the season you've got guys on the practice squad you love," Kubiak said. "At the end of the year having the ability to reward some of them, give them the opportunity to step up. When I told the team this morning we were activating him, he got a big hand in the room. [That shows] the type of respect he's gotten around here."