Harry How, Getty Images
Tight end John Phillips (83) of the San Diego Chargers is called for offensive pass interference while defended by middle linebacker Steven Johnson (53) of the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium on December 14, 2014 in San Diego, Calif. 
Getting your player ready...
The only Broncos player who wasn’t on the field in any capacity Thursday was tight end Manasseh Garner. It turns out that was for a reason.
The Broncos waived Garner on Thursday with a nonfootball illness designation, the team said. To replace him, they signed veteran tight end John Phillips to fill out their 90-man roster.
Phillips, 29, has played in 95 games (32 starts) over six years with the San Diego Chargers and Dallas Cowboys. He has 45 catches for 318 yards and four touchdowns in his career.
For the majority of his career, the 6-foot-5, 251-pound Phillips has been used primarily as a “blocking” tight end. He joins Jeff Heuerman, Virgil Green, Garrett Graham and Henry Krieger Coble at the position for the Broncos.
