Denver Broncos Lose Key Linebacker To Serious Injury

Heading into the 2024 NFL offseason, a lot of focus was on the quarterback position for the Denver Broncos. They moved on from veteran Russell Wilson and needed an immediate and long-term option for the position.

During the 2024 NFL Draft, the team took a shot on who they hope will become their franchise quarterback. With the No. 12 overall pick, they selected Bo Nix out of Oregon. He fits the mold of what head coach Sean Payton is looking for.

While many people believe that selecting Nix that high was a reach, another selection later on raised some eyebrows as well. For the second straight year, the Denver Broncos selected a linebacker in the third round.

This time it was Jonah Elliss out of Utah at No. 76 overall. It was a peculiar selection as Denver Broncos general manager George Paton had spoken highly of and highlighted the linebacker position earlier in the offseason.

“The outside ‘backer group, we have three that are really talented — [Nik] Bonitto, [Baron] Browning and [Jonathon] Cooper,” Paton said last month. “We have a young Drew Sanders, if he stays outside. So we like the group, but you’re always looking at those type of positions. They’re hard to find. If someone falls in your lap, you’re going to take them.”

Alas, with the recent news that has been released, that selection makes a lot more sense. As shared by Jeff Legwold of ESPN, the Denver Broncos lost linebacker Drew Sanders to a torn Achilles.

The injury occurred early in team workouts in mid-April, which explains why Elliss was selected. Sanders is expected to miss most of the 2024 season, as his recovery timetable is set at 6-9 months.

Since he already underwent surgery, there is certainly a chance that he can return to the field at some point in 2024. Pinpointing exactly when the injury occurred is tough as Payton will not be discussing injuries and rehabs during the offseason period.

Sanders was a versatile piece for the Denver Broncos defense last season. He played inside and outside linebacker in their 3-4 base alignment. Making an appearance in all 17 games, Sanders ended up starting four of them and played 23 percent of the total defensive snaps.

The opportunity for an even bigger role was there with Josey Jewell departing in free agency. But, we will have to wait and see what the Broncos have in store for Sanders once he finishes his recovery.