The Denver Broncos will miss one of their key defensive contributors to start the 2024 season due to an Achilles injury they suffered this offseason. The news came out as practices for OTAs are set to begin.
The Denver Broncos suffered a devastating spring injury
According to Mike Klis with 9 News, the Broncos will be without linebacker Drew Sanders to start the season after he suffered an Achilles injury during the offseason program:
“Sanders arrived for the Broncos’ offseason program in mid-April in excellent shape and determined to make a quantum leap as a defensive contributor in his second season. However, the injury occurred early in the Broncos’ offseason program – before the NFL Draft in late-April — and subsequent surgery was deemed successful. While no timeline was placed on his recovery, similar injuries to other players lend hope Sanders could possibly return in the middle to late in the regular season.
It also helps that Sanders is only 22 years old so youth is on his side. Still, with the regular season less than 4 months away, Sanders will at least miss a significant portion of the 2024 season.”
The Broncos drafted LB Jonah Elliss to help with LB depth
The timing of the injury in April is essential, as the Broncos drafted linebacker Jonah Elliss in the third round. Elliss was the Broncos’ next pick after they selected Bo Nix with the No. 7 pick. The Broncos knew they needed to address the linebacker position since it’s unclear when Sanders will return.
Sanders is in his second season in the NFL. He started in four games in his rookie season and appeared in all 17. He recorded 24 total tackles, one tackle for loss, and one forced fumble.
NFL fans’ initial reactions to Drew Sanders’ injury
If the injury happened in April, was Ellis the replacement which is why they drafted him?
— I am Great (@_Chancelllor) May 20, 2024
I wonder how many other players have unreported significant injuries.
— M France (@Michael97450367) May 20, 2024
The ONLY good thing about this is that it happened early enough that he should definitely return during the season 🤞
— Dexter Monson (@ddmonster14) May 20, 2024
It’s five or so wins with or without dude
— Me (@Me52671880) May 20, 2024
And here begins the downfall of the Broncos season RIP 😢
— Verlaxify (@Verlaxify) May 20, 2024
For More Football News:
We just can’t have healthy linebackers
— 𓃀𓂋𓅱𓈖𓎡𓅱𓋴𓃭𓂣𓎡𓄿𓂋𓋴𓂀 (@YRN_Vothz) May 20, 2024
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