Posted on: August 24, 2023, 07:38h.
Last updated on: August 24, 2023, 07:38h.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy has suffered a hamstring injury during a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams, a blow to the team’s offense ahead of the upcoming season. Jeudy is the fifth wide receiver from the Broncos to go down with an injury during the preseason.
Jeudy, who was the team’s top wide receiver last season, suffered a non-contact injury during practice and had to be helped off the field. The severity of the injury is yet to be determined, but hamstring injuries typically take four to six weeks to heal.
According to head coach Sean Payton, “Typically, in our system, we bring receivers in and out. But Jerry plays Z — the slot position — for us. We have a lot of guys. Hopefully, it’s not anything that’s too long-term.”
Last season, Jeudy had an impressive 972 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 15 games. However, he also missed three games due to a high ankle sprain.
Another Setback for Broncos’ Receivers
The Denver Broncos have been plagued by wide receiver injuries in recent weeks. The team lost veteran Tim Patrick to a torn Achilles during training camp, and KJ Hamler had to step away from the team due to a heart condition. Additionally, Jalen Virgil suffered a knee injury and has been placed on the injured reserve.
Despite the unfortunate streak of injuries, head coach Sean Payton does not believe in the “jinx” theory.
Payton told The Athletic, “I don’t believe in being snakebitten.”
On a more positive note, the Broncos welcomed back Johnson from a leg injury, providing some depth at the wide receiver position.
Rookie Marvin Mims Steps Up
With Jeudy sidelined, Courtland Sutton will now take on the role of the Broncos’ top wide receiver. Meanwhile, rookie Marvin Mims, Jr. has been receiving reps with the starters and has the opportunity to move into the WR #2 position.
According to Payton, “Mims is making progress. He’s doing well. It’s good to have him getting all these practice snaps and punt returns.”
Other wide receivers on the Broncos’ roster include Johnson, Kendall Hinton, Marquez Callaway, and Lil’Jordan Humphrey. The team initially expected to only keep a couple of them, but due to the injuries, all of them may make the final cut.
Fantasy football owners should keep an eye on Mims and other rookie wide receivers during their upcoming drafts, as their roles may increase due to the injury to Jeudy.
Broncos’ Future and Betting Odds
The Denver Broncos had a disappointing season last year, winning only five games. However, with the addition of head coach Sean Payton, there is hope for improvement. Oddsmakers remain cautious about the Broncos’ overall prospects, with a win total set at 8.5 over/under.
In the AFC West division, the Broncos are currently the third favorite to win, with odds of +550. The Kansas City Chiefs are the favorites at -165, followed by the Los Angeles Chargers at +340.
On the futures market, the Broncos have +4500 odds to win Super Bowl LVIII and +3000 odds to win the AFC Championship. In terms of making the playoffs, there are slightly favorable odds (-215) for the Broncos to miss the postseason, but there is still a chance (+180) for them to qualify.