Three key injuries for the Broncos to monitor heading into training camp

The Denver Broncos have strengthened their roster this offseason under the guidance of general manager George Paton. There has been a ton of working done by Paton and the scouting staff to find the best free agents and the best draft picks for this team. The 2021 season is looking to be a better season, and the Broncos could make a run at the postseason as a wild card team in the AFC West.

That momentum built this offseason could fall apart quickly if this team can’t stay healthy, however. On Tuesday, Broncos head coach Vic Fangio gave us some news about a couple of key players who are battling with injuries right now.

“K.J. (Hamler) tweaked his hamstring, so we’re being cautious with that. (Baron) Browning has the same injury he sustained in the rookie minicamp. He’ll be out the rest of this week, too,” Fangio said.

In addition to these two young players, there’s another key piece of the Broncos roster missing time due to injury. Here are three key injuries the Broncos need to monitor as training camp draws near.

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Browning Down

The Broncos made a great move to select Ohio State linebacker Baron Browning in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Browning is a talented player, and the Broncos were lucky to get him at that position. Even though he can play outside linebacker, I think Browning’s best spot to help the Broncos in 2021 and beyond is at the inside linebacker position.

At rookie minicamp, Fangio revealed that the plan was for Browning to concentrate on just the inside linebacker position instead of trying to learn two positions. This was great news as Browning bounced back and forth between the spots in college and never got to truly develop at one position. He was happy about the ILB designation by the Broncos.

“It’s a great feeling just because I can focus on that one position and critique every small detail. When you’re asked to do so many jobs — I embraced that role and I feel like I’m a very selfless player and a team player — it’s hard to find all the small intangibles and critique yourself the same way you could if you’re playing one position,” Browning said.

Browning recently suffered a lower leg injury that will keep him out of the team’s organized team activities this week. I hope that this injury doesn’t linger into training camp. Browning can start from day one for the Broncos, and his ability to cover will be key for the inside linebacker position. If he’s missing time, he’s losing out on development. Let’s see if he can get back for mandatory minicamp later this month.

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Hamler’s Hamstring

There is no doubt that Broncos second-year wide receiver K.J. Hamler’s game is all about speed, speed and more speed. A second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Hamler is one of the fastest players in the league and is looking to build off his rookie year. Hamler was banged up last year in his first pro season, playing in 12 games, and had 30 catches for 381 yards and three touchdowns.

This year, we could see better production from Hamler – if he stays healthy. His teammate Jerry Jeudy said he’s impressed by what the fellow second-year pro has done to prepare himself for the 2021 season.

“He’s doing good. I feel like he got a lot bigger and a lot stronger. He’s more confident in knowing the plays. I feel like he’s been doing good this year. Just progressing each and every day,” Jeudy said.

Hamler recently tweaked his hamstring and is expected to take it easy in practice for the foreseeable future, according to comments made by head coach Vic Fangio on Tuesday, June 1. This is a situation to watch because hamstring injuries can linger if not given enough time to properly heal. The Broncos must be careful with Hamler. He’s chomping at the bit to get out there but if he rushes back too soon then he could aggravate the injury – or make it worse. Speed players like Hamler are especially held back by hamstring injuries. I wouldn’t mind seeing him take mandatory minicamp off and get ready to be 100 percent healthy for training camp.

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The Return of Albert O

Denver’s tight end room is a bit of a concern for me behind starter Noah Fant. I think Fant has star potential, and he’s got the ability to be one of the best in the game at the position. However, the depth chart dries up quickly behind him except for one player – Albert Okwuegbunam.

The Broncos were able to get Okweugbunam in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Missouri. His college quarterback was Drew Lock, and he showed an instant connection with Lock when he got onto the field as a rookie. He first came onto the field in Week 6 last year, but only lasted four games before going down with a season-ending ACL injury.

This offseason, Fant has commented on his teammate and what he could bring to the field – when healthy – in 2021.

“He’s doing good. He’s still on the rehab and doing all that stuff. He’s progressing as he should, and he’s been working. I’m excited for him. I’ve grown to get close with him and he’s a good dude and a good kid. I’m excited to play with him,” Fant said.

Okwuegbunam is making good progress in his recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, according to head coach Vic Fangio. His status for the start of training camp is uncertain at this point. He was injured in Week 9 last year, and Okwuegbunam may not be himself until the halfway point of the 2021 season.

He may begin training camp on the PUP list. That means he could begin the regular season on the PUP list, forcing him to miss the first six weeks of action. The Broncos would then have a three-week window to decide whether or not to activate Okwuegbunam or shut him down. They’d likely bring him back at that time if he does start the regular season on the PUP list.

The Broncos need all these players back on the field ASAP. However, they need to be careful as they return from their respective injuries so as to not lose them for even more time.

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