Report: Broncos Hit Significant Blow As Gifted Player to Miss Time After Surgery
The Denver Broncos will have to figure out how to make up for the loss of Josh Reynolds.
The Denver Broncos will be missing a starting wide receiver for the foreseeable future. NFL insider Aaron Wilson reported on Friday that Broncos receiver Josh Reynolds had finger surgery and is likely to be sidelined for a while.
Wilson noted that the surgery was minor, and Reynolds could potentially return by the end of October. However, with Denver quickly transitioning from a home game against the Los Angeles Chargers to a Thursday night matchup with the New Orleans Saints, it seems probable that Reynolds will be out for at least the next two weeks.
Injuries among the Broncos’ starters are beginning to accumulate. Although Denver managed to stay relatively healthy in 2023, luck may not be on their side this season as they deal with various injuries.
The offensive line is particularly affected, with right tackle Mike McGlinchey on injured reserve due to an MCL sprain and Alex Palczewski and Luke Wattenburg listed on this week’s injury report with ankle issues. Additionally, swing tackle Quinn Bailey broke his ankle during practice in July, further depleting their offensive depth.
For a team in need of playmakers to support quarterback Bo Nix in the passing game, losing Reynolds for several weeks could hinder both the offense and the rookie’s development in the near term. With the Broncos facing the Chargers’ second-best defense in EPA/Play on Sunday and the Saints’ seventh-best defense next Thursday, the absence of key players could significantly impact an offense that has struggled for consistency so far.
Injuries are a part of the NFL landscape, and it’s unrealistic to expect the Denver Broncos to consistently be among the least injured teams. Consequently, they will need to adopt a “next man up” mentality and seek solutions to fill the gap until Reynolds returns in a few weeks.
Which players are likely to take on larger roles in the offense? The trio of Marvin Mims Jr., Troy Franklin, and Devaughn Vele will probably be relied upon to bear more of the offensive load for the time being.
Mims generated significant buzz during the offseason but hasn’t yet fully realized his potential as a second-round draft pick, often functioning as just a gadget player and route runner. Franklin possesses deep speed, but he struggled with drops in last week’s game, a problem that plagued him during training camp.
Vele showed promise in Week 1, but after an injury setback, his role as a “big slot” has been largely overshadowed by Lil’Jordan Humphrey, who has performed well. It’s also possible that running backs and tight ends will pick up more of the passing targets now that Denver’s receiving corps is thinner and includes more untested players. Just as Palczewski stepped up remarkably in place of McGlinchey, there’s a chance one of the young receivers can seize this opportunity.
While Reynolds may not be a game-changer or superstar, the Broncos still need him. Aside from Courtland Sutton, the team lacks established talents at receiver based on their performances thus far. On a positive note, this situation creates a prime opportunity for a young playmaker to step up in a team that desperately needs one.
It’s hoped that one of the Broncos’ recently drafted young receivers can capitalize on this chance and secure a more significant and impactful role in the offense moving forward.