Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos' offense — already functioning at a high level under chief architect Sean Payton, particularly in the red zone — could receive an additional boost for Sunday's crucial road tilt against the Houston Texans.

As Denver7's Troy Renck reported, Broncos wide receiver Brandon Johnson is eligible to return from injured reserve in Week 13. Johnson, who's missed the last four games with a hamstring issue, told Renck on Tuesday that "his leg feels good."

Denver would need to activate Johnson to the 53-man roster, on which it has an open spot with safety Kareem Jackson serving an NFL suspension.

Getting Johnson back on the field would be beneficial to the Broncos ahead of a potential shootout in the Lone Star State — a game bearing playoff implications. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound wideout still ranks second on the club with three receiving touchdowns, including a pair of scores in Denver's Week 2 loss to Washington.

"He’s explosive, he’s physical. I like his size, and he can block," Payton said of Johnson in September. "Quietly, he’s one of those guys that does his job very well."

At full health, Johnson should overtake Lil'Jordan Humphrey as Denver's fourth WR behind Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, and Marvin Mims.

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