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The Broncos needed a cornerback in the wake of Chris Harris’ torn ACL and they decided to sign one with some first-hand knowledge of their opponents in the AFC Championship Game.

The Broncos announced that they have signed cornerback Marquice Cole, who made several trips on and off the Patriots roster over the course of the 2013 season. His last stay with the Pats ended 19 days ago and while it’s fun to think this is all about tweaking the opposition, any tips he might be able to give the Broncos about New England’s schemes are likely secondary to the Broncos’ needs at corner with Harris out of the lineup.

Cole played 13 games with the Pats this season, making 15 tackles and intercepting one pass.

Harris was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, as was defensive end Derek Wolfe. Wolfe last played in Week 12 and has been out since suffering seizure-like symptoms on the way to the team’s game in Kansas City the next week.

Denver also promoted offensive lineman Vinston Painter from the practice squad. Painter, a sixth-round pick in April, did not play any regular season games this season.