Broncos rookie cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine climbs to another big spot Thursday night as he is named to the active game-day roster for the third straight year.

Abrams-Draine made his NFL debut in Week 13 against the Cleveland Browns and held his own on high-leverage snaps late in the game after the Broncos waived struggling veteran Levi Wallace, who was inactive for the second straight game on Thursday had set the bank. Abrams-Draine made his first start last week against the Colts and had a crucial pass error in the second half.

“He showed some pep, stayed with his guys and didn’t panic when the ball was in the air,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said of the rookie corner’s performance.

Abrams-Draine and Damarri Mathis will continue to fill in for injured starter Riley Moss, who will miss his third straight game with a knee injury. It’s a big spot for a couple of young players in Denver’s secondary against a Chargers offense that’s been blowing up more frequently since losing running back JK Dobbins to injury three weeks ago.

The Broncos’ remaining inactives Thursday are RB Jaleel McLaughlin (quad), DL Matt Henningsen, OL Frank Crum, LB Levelle Bailey and QB Zach Wilson, who will suit up as the team’s third emergency quarterback.