Tim Patrick missed the entire 2022 campaign after tearing the ACL in his right leg, and the Denver Broncos wide receiver’s 2023 training camp has also gotten off to an unfortunate start. Patrick went down with a left leg injury during Monday’s practice session and had to be carted off the field, according to multiple reports.
Tim Patrick Leaves Broncos Practice With Left Leg Injury
Patrick suffered a non-contact injury during 7-on-7 drills. He screamed and threw his gloves and helmet to the ground while Denver’s medical staff looked at his lower left leg. Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson and receiver Courtland Sutton huddled around Patrick while trainers checked his foot and ankle.
Patrick was subsequently carted off the field and had to use crutches to support his left leg while entering the Broncos’ facility. After practice, Broncos head coach Sean Payton told reporters the team was evaluating Patrick’s left Achilles.
ESPN subsequently confirmed Patrick is believed to have torn his Achilles, meaning he’ll miss a second consecutive season.
It was almost exactly a year ago that Patrick suffered a torn ACL that prematurely ended his 2022 season. Denver was hoping for a better outcome this time around, but non-contact injuries are always frightening.
Patrick was fully cleared in April and was a full participant at the Broncos’ minicamp in June. At the time, James Palmer of NFL Network reported that multiple Denver decision-makers believed Patrick was the “best football player” on the club’s wide receiver depth chart.
The Broncos held trade discussions centered around both Sutton and Jerry Jeudy this offseason but ultimately held onto both players. Now, Patrick’s injury will affect Denver’s WR depth behind its top two options.
With Patrick sidelined, second-round rookie Marvin Mims is the Broncos’ de facto No. 3. Former Saints wideout Marquez Callaway, who played under Sean Payton in New Orleans, could also see more action now that Patrick’s injury has been confirmed. Meanwhile, the Broncos are waiving KJ Hamler in a procedural move as he deals with mild heart irritation.
Patrick, 29, entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Utah in 2018. After playing sparingly during his first two pro campaigns, Patrick posted at least 50 receptions, 700 yards, and five touchdowns in both 2021 and 2022.
In Nov. 2021, Patrick signed a three-year, $30 million extension with the Broncos that runs through 2024. The deal contained $13 million in guaranteed money.