Denver Broncos coach Vance Joseph has confidence in Bennie Fowler III

Bennie Fowler III has an excellent opportunity to truly make a name for himself on Sunday afternoon when the Denver Broncos take on the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Broncos will be extremely short-handed at wide receiver with Emmanuel Sanders (ankle), Isaiah McKenzie (ankle) and Cody Latimer (knee) already ruled out for the game against the Chargers. On top of that, two-time All-Pro Demaryius Thomas is dealing with a calf injury that limited his practice availability this week.

Thomas is expected to play on Sunday, but with Sanders out, Fowler will get the start and will serve as Denver’s No. 2 wide receiver. Head coach Vance Joseph is confident the former undrafted free agent can get the job done.

“I think he does,” Joseph said on Thursday when asked if Fowler has the ability to be a legitimate No. 2 wide receiver. “Bennie’s a smart guy, he knows what to do and that’s half the battle as far as being a [No.] 1 or a [No.] 2. I don’t know what that means, I mean you would know better than I would. He’s a receiver and he’s the next guy up, so he’s the No. 2. He was the No. 2 last week from time to time. That has no relevance as far as who plays. When he’s out there, he’s a [No.] 1, you can say that also.”

With his increased role, Fowler could be in for a career day on Sunday, which would go a long way in solidifying his place on Denver’s roster going forward.