Jeudy’s return from injury could be the spark the Broncos need

If things go according to plan this week, the Denver Broncos will have one of their most potent offensive weapons back on the field Sunday against the Washington Football Team.

Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, who has been out since Week 1 with an ankle injury, is reportedly set to return to action this week, should he look like the same player he was before getting hurt.

“Just to watch him in practice and see that he’s normal. I know what Jerry looks like (when he’s) normal, and if that’s what we see, he’s good to go,” Broncos head coach Vic Fangio said on Tuesday.

And for a team struggling to make a dent on early downs, which Fangio said would be a point of emphasis in practice on Tuesday, Jeudy’s return couldn’t come quicker.

In his only action this season, Jeudy caught two passes on first downs against the New York Giants, converting both for a new set of downs.

During his career, Jeudy’s been targeted on early downs 77 times, catching 37 passes for 549 yards and one touchdown.

But perhaps even a bigger impact Jeudy’s return could have on the Broncos offense is his ability to draw coverage away from other receivers.

“Any time you can put another good receiver on the field, it helps everybody. It just does,” Fangio said. “He’s a good route runner, good receiver, catches it well, and runs well after the catch. Everything has a domino effect in this game.”

Tight end Eric Saubert echoed Fangio’s comments on Tuesday, saying Jeudy is “so explosive” and “such a help” to Denver’s offense.

“He’s a special player, and you’ve got to adjust when someone like that’s out there,” Saubert said.