When the Denver Broncos (2-1) face the San Francisco 49ers (3-0) this Sunday, they'll face a familiar foe from one of the biggest and most controversial moments of the 2025 season.
Riddled with injuries, the 49ers recently promoted veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks from the practice squad to their active roster. With multiple injuries at the position, the Niners could lean on Cooks against the Broncos
.Even if it's with a different team, Cooks is likely eager to get back at the Broncos for this play from last year's thrilling divisional playoff game.
Ja'Quan McMillian with an unbelievable interception! THIS GAME! #BroncosCountry
— Denver Sports 104.3 (@DenSports1043) January 18, 2026
pic.twitter.com/PsgoaCKs8P
This play was hotly debated from the moment it occurred, and if you're a fan of the Buffalo
Bills, you likely still feel it was a catch. The officials disagreed. However, Cooks refuses to call it an interception by Ja'Quan McMillian. This summer, Cooks discussed how he still thinks it was a catch.
It's unlikely he'll ever come out and say it was an interception, but the Broncos won the game and advanced to the AFC Championship largely as a result of that call.
It's a new season and Cooks is in a new uniform as he plays for his seventh NFL team. Now 33 years old, Cooks is still a crafty veteran with over 700 career receptions. The Broncos will need to be wary of him in this game.
It will be interesting to see if he gets matched up one-on-one with McMillian. Both players are likely looking forward to the matchup.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: 49ers sign ex-Bills WR who still denies Ja'Quan McMillian’s interception
