On This Day in Broncos History: December 19

December 19, 2004 - The Denver Broncos had signed former 49er RB Garrison Hearst. Hearst is best remembered for a great career in San Francisco and how he recovered from a gruesome foot injury in the playoffs following the 1998 season. He won the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year award in 2001. The 49ers released Hearst following the 2003 season.

He signed with Denver and was expected to serve as a "third-down" running back. Unfortunately, he only appeared in six games for the Broncos and netted only 20 carries. On December 19, 2004, he rushed 5 times for 26 yards and scored his only touchdown as a Bronco. This game came in Week 14. He appeared in the Week 15 game, but was placed on the Injured Reserve list for the remainder of the season with a broken hand. The Broncos did not choose to resign him in 2005.