On Tuesday, August 2, the Broncos broke out full pads, and now two critical pieces of their offense go down with season-ending injuries. Top primary wide receiver Tim Patrick and RB Damarea Crockett, who played 12 games for Denver last season; both suffered torn ACLs at training camp.
Tim Patrick led the Denver Broncos in catches for the past two seasons with One hundred forty-three receptions for 2,009 yards (14.0 avg.) and 12 touchdowns in his career. In addition, the undrafted rookie out of the University of Utah recorded the third-most touchdowns (11) among undrafted players over the last two seasons.
After a dramatic Tuesday, Head Coach Nathaniel Hackett led the team through fair pace practice on Wednesday. With two players suffering significant injuries last practice. Today's lighter workload allowed guys to wrap their heads around what just happened to their teammates.
Head Coach Nathaniel Hackett on the significance of trying to replace WR Tim Patrick.
"It's going to have to be. We are very upset he's not here, but now, here's an opportunity for somebody to step up—especially in the red zone—to have the opportunity to be able to make some touchdowns and utilize some different people. That's what we're going to have to do. In that area, you always want everybody to have to cover the whole field and all the skill guys. It will be exciting to see who is going to step up. Somebody is going to have to."
Wednesday, August 3, the Broncos placed WR Tim Patrick & RB Damarea Crockett on IR. While signing Albert Okwuegbunam & Greg Dulcich to help replace Tim Patrick.
Albert Okwuegbunam was a productive tight end at the University of Missouri for three years. But, who was a vital red zone target that converted a high percentage of receptions into touchdowns? Okwuegbunam will now have the chance to compete for starting TE position for the Broncos.
The Denver Broncos drafted tight end Greg Dulcich in the third round with the 80th overall selection. Dulcich was a walk on a UCLA who grew into an offensive threat for the Bruins, leading the team with 517 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 26 receptions. Now, there is room for improvement as a route-runner and blocker. But the rookie has the potential to be a solid contributor.
Sixth-round wide receiver Seth Williams got some action today with QB Russell Wilson. The 6'3" wide receiver can potentially contribute to the Broncos offense if he can grow into a reliable target.
On the bright side, WR K.J. Hamler is working positively towards returning since suffering a season-ending injury in 2021. Of course, The challenge to fill the void of an absentee Tim Patrick will not come easy, but having Hamler back in the starting lineup will strengthen their receiving core.
Protect the Sheriff
Shielding the quarterback was an area the Broncos needed to improve. With Denver trading for star QB Russell Wilson, they need to protect their newly acquired quarterback.
Quinn Meinerz, who the Broncos selected in the third round with the 98th overall selection, appeared in 15 games and nine starts last season. Netane Muti challenged Merinerz, but Quinn has secured all REPS at the right guard position.
Muti started rotating with left guard Dalton Risner at the left guard position. With a long football season ahead, Head Coach Hackett echoed, "everyone must be ready to play every position."
No one-person position is safe.
Risner came into the league with a significant upside, a natural fit with good blocking skills but hasn't been great since his rookie season. He started all 47 games played with Denver (2019-2021) While Muti is a third-year guard who has played 19 games (4 starts) with the Broncos in (2020-21), It is Risner's job to lose, but whoever earns the starting position could be moved at any time if their performance doesn't add up the team success.
Seven days of training camp down and seven more to go!