Broncos Wide Receivers Sidelined: Tim Patrick and KJ Hamler Facing Injuries

Posted on: August 1, 2023, 09:52h

Last updated on: August 1, 2023, 09:52h

The Denver Broncos have been hit with a double blow as wide receivers Tim Patrick and KJ Hamler are both facing injuries. Patrick suffered a torn Achilles tendon during training camp, while Hamler has been sidelined due to a heart condition.

Patrick’s injury occurred during training camp, sparking concerns for the Broncos’ depth at the wide receiver position. Head coach Sean Payton observed the incident and believes Patrick slipped while running a route.

The Broncos have experienced a wave of injuries during the opening week of training camp, with star players like Joe Burrow and Jalen Ramsey also being forced to miss time due to various ailments.

After a disappointing season in 2022, the Broncos look to rebound under the leadership of Sean Payton, who previously led the New Orleans Saints to a Super Bowl victory. Quarterback Russell Wilson, who struggled last season, is expected to perform better under Payton’s guidance. However, the recent wide receiver setbacks pose a significant challenge for the team.

Tim Patrick: A History of Injuries

This is not the first time Tim Patrick has faced injury during training camp. In the 2022 season, he suffered a torn ACL and underwent knee surgery, causing him to miss the entire year. Despite his injury history, Patrick has been an impactful player for the Broncos, with 104 receptions and 11 touchdowns in the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

“Many people can’t compete like him,” said Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II.

The Broncos’ wide receiver troubles date back to 2021, as their core four players have rarely been on the field together due to injuries. The loss of Patrick further complicates the team’s depth at the position.

KJ Hamler’s Heart Condition

Shortly before Tim Patrick’s injury, KJ Hamler made a shocking announcement on social media. Hamler revealed that he would be stepping away from the team to address a heart issue. He was diagnosed with pericarditis, a mild heart irritation, after experiencing chest pain during a workout.

Hamler, who had already begun training camp on the non-football illness list, was subsequently waived by the Broncos to allow him to seek treatment. The team plans to bring him back once he is healthy and has completed the necessary medical protocols.

“I have been through hell and back,” said Hamler on Instagram. “But it’s hard to reach paradise if you don’t go through hell first.”

In addition to his heart condition, Hamler has also dealt with knee injuries in the past, including a torn ACL in the 2021 season. Despite his setbacks, Hamler showed promise as a rookie with 30 receptions and three touchdowns.

Outlook for the Broncos and Betting Odds

The Broncos will heavily rely on Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton as their primary wide receiver options with the absence of Patrick and Hamler. Jeudy led the team in receptions and yards last season, while Sutton also made significant contributions.

In response to the wide receiver injuries, the Broncos have signed Marquez Callaway and Lil’Jordan Humphrey in free agency. Additionally, rookie Marvin Mims Jr. may see increased playing time as the team adjusts to the losses.

Coming off a disappointing 2022 season, the Broncos have a win total over/under of 8.5 for the upcoming year. While oddsmakers have listed them as +180 favorites to make the playoffs, they are also -215 favorites to miss postseason action.

The Kansas City Chiefs are favored to win the AFC West, followed by the Los Angeles Chargers, Broncos, and Las Vegas Raiders. The Broncos have +4000 odds to win Super Bowl LVIII and +2500 odds to win the AFC Championship.