Not even a full week into training camp and the Denver Broncos already have 3 players who have been injured in camp and two more who, today, were placed on Injured Reserve. Let's not forget about left tackle Ryan Clady who partially tore his patellar tendon while playing basketball in the offseason.
Here's the deal. On the first full squad practice of training camp, Knowshon Moreno pulled his hamstring on a screen pass that will keep him out of practice for at least 3 weeks. Shortly after Knowshon was carted off the practice field, backup Correll Buckhalter was assisted to the locker room and diagnosed with an upper back pull that will sideline him for a week. Thankfully neither of their injuries were worse. As insurance, the team signed veteran running back LenDale White.
However, the Broncos' luck quickly wore out. Yesterday, reigning sack king Elvis Dumervil left the Broncos' morning practice with what was later diagnosed as a torn pectoral. Dumervil's injury means he'll miss 4 months, with a small chance of missing the entire season. Dumervil is seeking a second opinion for a better understanding of how much time he could miss. This is important because the team may place him on injured reserve, thus ending his season. This would only be done to salvage a roster spot instead of have that spot taken by someone who will be inactive and unable to play until December.
Personally, i believe the Broncos should refrain from placing Dumervil on IR, the main reason being playoffs. This is a team in its second year under Josh McDaniels and a team that looks to take a step forward. If Dumervil can return in December with the postseason beginning in January, he should be able to contribute right away. I'm sure a torn pectoral is no laughing matter, but its not as damaging to play style as a knee injury can be. Former Broncos defensive end Bertrand Berry also suffered a pectoral tear in 2005 told the Denver Post, "It shouldn't affect his style of play ... it's not a career-changing injury."
All that said, this is a huge loss for the team. The Broncos will now count on former first round picks Jarvis Moss and Robert Ayers to considerably step up their game. McDaniels and teammates have lauded Moss' work ethic and dedication this offseason and Ayers is looking to rebound in his second season. Another player to keep your eye on is undrafted rookie Kevin Alexander out of Clemson. Alexander has already seen practice time with the first-team defense during OTAs and minicamp.
In his press briefing this afternoon, McDaniels said, "We all feel bad, obviously, for Elvis ... (but) We're not going to sit here and feel sorry for ourselves. We're going to get ready to play football. We've got a good team in that locker room." McDaniels also said they may move Mario Haggan to Elvis' spot. Haggan was opposite Elvis for the most part last season but was moving to inside linebacker next to D.J. Williams for the upcoming year.
In addition to all of this, the Broncos placed second-year receiver Kenny McKinley and third-year safety Josh Barrett on Injured Reserve with knee and shoulder injuries respectively. While neither played significant time on offense or defense last season, both were big-time special teamers. This year the Broncos will be nothing if not deep.
