Broncos injury update: KJ Hamler dealing with hamstring issue

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — KJ Hamler’s upward trajectory might have hit a significant snag.

As first reported by KUSA Ch. 9’s Mike Klis, Hamler landed on the injury report with a hamstring issue that popped up during practice. Hamler will be listed as limited on the post-practice injury report.

Per source, KJ Hamler will be added to injury report today with a hamstring that limited him in practice. Hamstring injuries up around the league — and at Dove Valley. #9sports

— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) November 9, 2022

For Hamler, it could be another frustrating setback in a career that has been sadly defined by injuries as much as his spectacular downfield bursts. Hamler dealt with hamstring injuries throughout 2020, beginning at that year’s Scouting Combine. He grappled with hamstring injuries in training camp and early in the season, missing two of the Broncos’ first five games as a rookie. Hamler ultimately played in 13 games as a rookie.

A year later, Hamler’s season ended after three games when he dislocated a hip and tore his ACL against the New York Jets. He returned to game-time action 11 months later.

The Broncos have targeted Hamler sparingly, but effectively. He has just 7 catches for 165 yards — a 23.6-yard average. But three of his receptions covered at least 47 yards, including a 55-yard catch against the Jaguars on Oct. 30.

Hamler’s injury adds to a voluminous injury report that includes safety Justin Simmons. Before practice, Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett revealed that Simmons had a knee sprain and would sit out Wednesday’s work. Simmons already missed four games earlier this season due to a thigh injury he suffered in Week 1.

Simmon worked out on the injury-rehab field on the north end of UCHealth Training Center on Wednesday. Joining Simmons on the side field were:

• RB Mike Boone (ankle)
• Edge rusher Baron Browning (hip)
• OT Cam Fleming (quadriceps)
• Edge rusher Randy Gregory (knee)

Gregory remains on injured reserve after undergoing a knee scope last month. Boone went on injured reserve after suffering a high-ankle sprain against the New York Jets on Oct. 23. Browning and Fleming are considered “day-to-day” with the injuries they suffered against the Jets.

MEANWHILE, IN NASHVILLE …

Quarterback Ryan Tannehill took individual repetitions at the start of practice. He missed the two previous games due to a sprained ankle.

#Titans Ryan Tannehill took part in individual period open to media for the first time since the week leading up to the Colts game. Here’s a look at some of his work. pic.twitter.com/GbkGgIMC2q

— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) November 9, 2022

“Feel good. It’s getting better day by day,” Tannehill told Nashville-area media prior to practice. “I’m definitely seeing the progress now.”

But on the defensive side, ESPN reported that Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons wore a walking boot on his left leg Wednesday. He did not practice.

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