Broncos WRs With Most to Gain From Patrick, Hamler News
Monday was a costly day for the Denver Broncos' wide receiving corps. Two of these wideouts must step up.
The Denver Broncos wide receiver room lost two players expected to contribute in 2023. Unfortunately, they're two receivers, both of whom missed a lot of time last year, too.
Tim Patrick, who tore his ACL during 2022 training camp, suffered a torn Achilles on Monday. He'll miss his second straight season because of a significant training camp injury.
Meanwhile, KJ Hamler, who has battled injuries throughout his career, was waived in a procedural move on Monday. He's sidelined because of mild heart inflammation, which comes on the heels of a torn pec suffered during offseason workouts this past spring.
In Hamler's case, he would have missed the season if placed on the non-football injury list, but he isn't expected to miss the season and may be brought back. Patrick's injury likely means he will never play another snap for the Broncos. He was due $5.5 million in fully guaranteed salary this year and $8M total, but he has no guaranteed money in 2024 and will likely be a future cap casualty.
Hamler already renegotiated the final year of his contract to give the Broncos injury protection in exchange for incentives. That contract will no longer be in effect once he clears waivers. If he's brought back, his deal would be for fewer than 17 games because he is expected to miss at least a couple of regular-season outings.
But what does this mean for the rest of the Broncos' wide receiver room? Let's look at who will need to step up with Patrick out for the season and Hamler gone for at least the earlier part of the season.
We already know that much will be expected from Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy, but now others on the depth chart must step up. Let's look at seven depth receivers, in particular, who suddenly have an enormous opportunity to earn a bigger role in the wake of a costly Monday.
Finally, we have another receiver who did some good things in the 2022 preseason, though he didn't make the final roster. Jalen Virgil did make the practice squad, was active for nine games, and has a 66-yard touchdown reception to his credit.
Virgil has speed and experience returning kicks. That would help in being a possible replacement for Hamler's roster spot.
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Source: Sports Illustrated
