BREAKING: Denver Broncos Confirms Major Bad News ahead of Week 6
While this isn’t ideal, it does give the Denver Broncos a chance to evaluate some of their younger players. Ahead of their Week 6 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Broncos made several roster moves, placing two key players on injured reserve. Starting center Luke Wattenberg and wide receiver Josh Reynolds were both injured in Week 5 against the Las Vegas Raiders and will now be sidelined for at least four games.
Broncos send two to IR, but get someone back
One silver lining for the Denver Broncos is that rookie running back Audric Estime has been activated from injured reserve, which could provide a significant boost to their run game. With Tyler Badie on IR, Estime’s return is timely and much needed.
Josh Reynolds, who caught a touchdown pass in Week 5 from Bo Nix, had a solid season before his injury, recording 12 receptions for 183 yards, averaging 2.4 catches and 36.6 yards per game. Over a full 17-game season, he was on pace for 41 receptions and 622 yards. Though he contributed solid production, Reynolds is not a WR1, and now he’ll miss at least four games. This opens the door for players like Troy Franklin and Devaughn Vele, both 2024 NFL Draft picks, to get more playing time. They could develop into long-term options at wide receiver for the Broncos.
With starting center Luke Wattenberg also out for four games, it presents a major opportunity for second-year center Alex Forsyth. Forsyth has a built-in advantage, having played with quarterback Bo Nix at Oregon, which could help their on-field chemistry. However, Forsyth wasn’t named the starter for a reason, so there could be some early growing pains. If Forsyth plays well during Wattenberg’s absence, it might be difficult for Wattenberg to reclaim his spot.
Per wire, Broncos placed WR Josh Reynolds (hand), center Luke Wattenberg (high ankle sprain) on IR. They'll been down minimum 4 wks but are candidates to return.
Broncos also promoted safety Tanner McCalister from PSquad to 53. RB Audric Estime also now on active 53. #9sports— MikeKlis9NEWS (@mikeklis9news) October 12, 2024
The Broncos’ upcoming schedule includes the Chargers in Week 6, the Saints in Week 7, the Panthers in Week 8, and the Ravens in Week 9. These games may offer a mix of challenges, but if the younger players like Forsyth, Franklin, and Vele can step up, the Broncos could find themselves in an interesting position once Wattenberg and Reynolds are eligible to return.