Broncos defensive lineman DeMarcus Walker had to wait until Week 7 to play and he hopes his production in only 21 snaps (four tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery) warrants more opportunities starting Sunday at the Los Angeles Chargers.

“I feel like I made enough impact plays to make a statement to upstairs,” said Walker, referring to the coaching staff.

Walker met twice with coach Vance Joseph earlier this season to discuss his status. The Broncos dressed only five defensive linemen in the first six games, making Walker, as the sixth lineman, a spectator.

“I went to Vance’s office and talked to him and said, ‘What’s up? I’ll do special teams. I’ll do whatever to dress and help this team win,’” Walker said.

Walker debuted at Arizona when linebacker Shane Ray was scratched (ankle). Walker played 10 snaps against the Cardinals, two at Kansas City and nine vs. Houston.

“He’s done a fine job,” Joseph said Monday. “We’re hoping to get him more inside rushes so he can do what he does best, which is rush the passer from the three-technique (defensive tackle) position. He’s a hard worker, he’s a young player and he’s improving.”

If linebacker Brandon Marshall (knee) continues to be out, it would create a game-day slot for Walker.

“The more opportunities I get, the more chances I seize, the more comfortable I get … I can take off,” Walker said.

New number, new ‘mojo’. Broncos receiver River Cracraft made his regular-season debut against Houston in Week 9. He originally joined the Broncos in Oct. 2017 and had been waived three times. He was promoted from the practice squad Nov. 2.

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“After I was released (from the practice squad) after the first week against Seattle, I wanted to change up my mojo a little bit,” he said. “I had been cut twice with the 15 so I changed it up to see if something else worked.”

Cracraft returned one punt for five yards and seven offensive snaps against the Texans.

“Playing was a big step for me, something I’ve been waiting on for a long time,” he said. “I felt really ready — progressing my mental game is something I’ve gotten a lot better at.”

Footnotes. The Broncos officially placed center Matt Paradis (leg) on injured reserve and signed veteran center Gino Gradkowski. This is his second tour with the Broncos — he was acquired from Baltimore in April 2015 but did not appear in a game. He spent training camp with the New York Jets. … Joseph hopes safety Darian Stewart (neck), cornerback Bradley Roby (ankle), receiver DaeSean Hamilton (knee) and running back Royce Freeman (ankle) will return to practice Wednesday.