Broncos lose wide receiver Tim Patrick for season with cruciate ligament rupture

Denver Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick tore his ACL in practice today. How will his absence affect the offense in 2022?

One of the most notable aspects of the refit taking place across the AFC West this offseason was the The Denver Broncos are trading for star quarterback Russell Wilson. Along with his joining the team came a great anticipation of what Denver’s young and extremely talented wide receiver room would be capable of with an MVP quarterback at the helm. A member of this room Tim Patrickis no longer available for the journey.

9NEWS Denver’s Mike Klis reported on Tim Patrick’s injury at practice today and provided an update on the severity after the MRI results came back:

Klis continued on Twitter, pointing out that the Achilles’ heel of the Broncos receiver room in recent years has actually been the ACL:

Three straight seasons losing an impact receiver so early to the exact same injury is nothing short of a nuisance. It’s going to be a big challenge for the Broncos in 2022.

Who will the Broncos lean on after losing Tim Patrick for the year?

What Wilson brought to Denver in particular was his rocket arm, which has been a spectacle for years. The trio of Courtland SuttonTim Patrick and Jerry Jeudy was sure to maximize Wilson’s greatest strength next season, but the team will now be forced to adopt a plan B.

The most disappointing reality of Tim Patrick’s injury is the argument that can be made that he is grossly underrated in the ranks of AFC West receivers. His 734 yards and five touchdowns in 2021 were nothing special from the mountaintops, but on an offense with virtually no identity since entering the league, Patrick has made the most of his opportunities. He was poised for a breakout season in 2022.

After trading away the tight end Noah Fant With Russell Wilson taking over, the Broncos will likely lean on KJ Hamler to fill the gap in Tim Patrick’s absence in the passing game. Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon They can also be expected to play a bigger role in keeping the offense competitive within a division that regularly presents such high scores.