Franklin (hamstring) is inactive Sunday for the Broncos' AFC Championship Game against the Patriots, Aric DiLalla of Denver's official site reports.

Franklin was a limited practice participant throughout the week and was deemed questionable heading into Sunday, but the wideout will ultimately be forced to the sideline for the first time all season while he recovers from the hamstring injury he sustained in the divisional-round win over the Bills. With Franklin sitting out, the Broncos should have more reps open at receiver for Pat Bryant, Marvin Mims and Lil'Jordan Humphrey behind No. 1 wideout Courtland Sutton.

The Broncos elevated Bandy from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday.

Bandy played in four regular-season games for 16 offensive snaps, totalling four receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown on four targets. Bandy will join fellow wide receiver Elijah Moore as a depth option at receiver, elevated as a precaution for a scenario where Troy Franklin (hamstring) potentially cannot suit up for Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Patriots.

The Patriots cut Sherfield from the practice squad Saturday.

Sherfield was not elevated for last Sunday's playoff win over the Texans. The wide receiver was likely signed to bolster depth due to the injury to Mack Hollins (abdomen). The 29-year-old Sherfield could be signed to the practice squad of any team that is still in Super Bowl contention, depending on receiver needs that may develop after Sunday's games.

The Broncos elevated Moore from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday, Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post reports.

Moore will receive his first elevation as a Bronco, and Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Patriots could be his first game action since he played for the Bills in a Week 12 loss to the Texans. The wide receiver will serve as a depth option if Troy Franklin (hamstring) cannot play. If Franklin is ruled out, Moore will operate as the No. 5 receiver behind Courtland Sutton, Pat Bryant, Marvin Mims and Lil'Jordan Humphrey.

The Patriots activated Hollins (abdomen) from injured reserve Saturday, but he remains listed questionable for Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Broncos.

Hollins landed on IR in late December due to an abdominal injury. After being cleared to practice Thursday and Friday, Hollins demonstrated enough progress for the Patriots to activate him, and despite his questionable tag, he looks on track to play against Denver. Hollins' likely return could leave fewer snaps available at receiver for depth options such as DeMario Douglas, Efton Chism and Kyle Williams.

Bryant (concussion) doesn't carry an injury designation for Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Patriots.

Bryant, who sustained a concussion in this past Saturday's divisional-round win over the Bills, logged a limited practice Wednesday, but following full sessions Thursday and Friday, he's been cleared to face New England. Meanwhile, fellow WR Troy Franklin (hamstring) has been deemed questionable after three straight limited practices, and if Franklin is limited or out Sunday, Bryant and Marvin Mims would stand to pick up added snaps alongside Courtland Sutton.

Franklin (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Patriots.

Franklin, who was limited to 13 snaps in this past Saturday's divisional-round win over the Bills, was able to practice in a limited fashion this week, but his status for the AFC Championship Game won't be confirmed until the Broncos' inactives are posted ahead of the team's 3:00 p.m. ET kickoff. If Franklin ends up limited or out this weekend, added WR snaps alongside Courtland Sutton would be available for Pat Bryant, Marvin Mims and Lil'Jordan Humphrey.

Hollins (abdomen) will be listed as questionable for Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Broncos, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

The Patriots placed Hollins on IR on Dec. 27, with the wideout having returned to a limited practice session Thursday. If Hollins -- who worked fully Friday -- is activated ahead of Sunday's contest (a move that would need to occur by Saturday afternoon), he'd bolster a New England WR corps that also includes Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, Kyle Williams, DeMario Douglas and Efton Chism. In such a scenario, Hollins would be a speculative fantasy option this weekend, considered he's coming off an injury as well as the Patriots' tendency to spread around targets in their passing game.

Hollins (abdomen) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday.

The Patriots designated Hollins for return from injured reserve Thursday, after which he logged his first on-field work since Week 16 prep. He's missed the requisite four contests while on IR due to an abdominal injury, but it remains unclear if he has a chance to play in Sunday's AFC Championship Game in Denver. How Hollins is listed on Friday's practice report will reveal as much.

Bryant (concussion) practiced fully Thursday, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Bryant sustained a concussion in this past Saturday's divisional-round win versus the Bills, but he followed up Wednesday's limited session with all activity one day later, displaying considerable progress through the protocol for head injuries in the process. Having said that, he must gain clearance from an independent neurologist in order to be eligible to play in Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Patriots.