Denver Broncos Wide Receiver Tim Patrick Suffers Potential Season-Ending Injury; Team Faces Depth Concerns
Veteran Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick may once again find himself on the sidelines for an entire NFL season. On Monday, during a seven-on-seven drill at Broncos practice, Patrick suffered an apparent leg injury without any contact. The 29-year-old receiver fell to the ground while changing directions and had to be carted off the field. The initial fear is that Patrick has torn his Achilles, which would likely sideline him for the entirety of the 2023 NFL season.
Patrick’s injury comes as a blow to the Broncos, who were counting on him to compete for the team’s No. 3 receiver role. During the 2021 season, Patrick had occupied that position and provided valuable veteran depth to the receiving corps. His absence raises questions about who will step up and fill the void.
Broncos coach Sean Payton revealed the team’s concerns about Patrick’s injury, stating that they suspect a torn Achilles. However, an official confirmation will have to wait until an MRI is conducted. If the injury is indeed a torn Achilles, Patrick will miss the entire 2023 season. While this is unfortunate news for Patrick, it should be noted that the injury occurred in his left leg, whereas his previous season-ending injury was to his right leg.
Prior to his injury, Patrick had been poised to make a successful return to the field after missing the entire 2022 season. In 2021, he recorded 53 catches for 734 yards and five touchdowns while starting in all 16 games. His performance that season solidified him as a long-term piece alongside Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy in the Broncos’ receiving corps.
Unfortunately for the Broncos, Patrick wasn’t the only player dealt a setback on Monday. The team also waived KJ Hamler, their 2020 second-round pick, due to a non-football illness. Hamler had been diagnosed with pericarditis, a mild heart irritation, after experiencing chest pains during a workout. While he is expected to make a relatively quick recovery, there is no guarantee that he will return to the Broncos. He could potentially be claimed off waivers or choose not to re-sign with the team.
Hamler’s departure further complicates the Broncos’ receiver depth chart. With both Patrick and Hamler out, the hierarchy behind top targets Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton becomes uncertain. Rookie Seth Williams likely possesses the highest upside in the group and is expected to see increased opportunities in the absence of Patrick and Hamler. Tyrie Cleveland, Kendall Hinton, and Diontae Spencer are also competing for roster spots and playing time.
The losses of Patrick and Hamler undoubtedly pose challenges for the Broncos. The team now lacks experienced depth at the receiver position, potentially impacting their offensive production. Consequently, Denver will need their remaining receivers, as well as any new additions, to step up and perform at a high level. While there are still options available, including some promising newcomers, the Broncos will have to carefully evaluate their receiving corps and make the necessary adjustments to ensure success in the upcoming season.
