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The Denver Broncos have announced that wide receiver Tim Patrick and running back Damarea Crockett will miss this NFL season. They sustained injuries during their training camp on Tuesday. According to reports, both players suffered torn ACLs in the same practice session.
Crockett announced his upcoming absence on Twitter. He said he would support the other running backs and promised to return “stronger than ever”.
This year would be Patrick’s fifth season with the Broncos. He signed a three-year extension worth $34 million with the team last year. Meanwhile, Crockett first joined Denver’s practice squad in October 2020.
Last season, Patrick played 16 games and started all. He had the second most receiving yards at 734. He made 53 catches, placing him third, just behind Courtland Sutton and Noah Fant. Patrick led the team in touchdown receptions for the majority of the season. He recorded five touchdowns in 2021.
After he was removed on Tuesday, rookie Kendall Hinton and Montrell Washington received more intense practice. Due to Patrick’s absence, the team must rely heavily on other wide receivers, especially Sutton and Jerry Jeudy.
The teamhad also experienced top receivers not being able to participate in games in recent years. In 2020, Sutton tore his ACL during Week 2 and had to miss the entire season. Then, last season, KJ Hamler had to leave due to a torn ACL and injured hip. Jeudy was also absent from seven games in the season after spraining his ankle.
Sutton talked to the media after Patrick’s injury. He praised Patrick for his hard work and pivotal role in the team.
“I think our team as a whole, we’ve all become really tight and everyone cares so much about each other, but Tim is such an impactful person for this team. A leader, a vet,” Sutton said.
Defensive back Kareem Jackson also confirmed Patrick’s significance on the team. He said, throughout his career, he had never seen a practice being paused as long as when Patrick was injured that day.
“A guy like Tim, who is such an amazing leader and has done everything we’ve asked, it breaks your heart because you love him,” Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett said. “On the flip side, it’s going to give somebody else an opportunity to grow and really become a great player, because that’s what we’re going to need.”
Crockett completed 12 games last season. Before his injury, he was fourth in the running back depth chart. He was reportedly fighting for a spot in the Broncos’ regular season roster against Tyreik McAllister, Javonte Williams, and Mike Boone.
In addition to Patrick and Crockett, there were other injuries reported during the training camp. D.J. Jones was absent from Tuesday’s practice due to a back injury. Tyrie Cleveland, K’Waun Williams, and Tom Compton were also absent.
Last year, Denver recorded 7-10-0 and finished last in the AFC West Division with .412 PCT. They share a place with Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Chargers in the division.
The Broncos will face off against the Dallas Cowboys on August 13.
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