Patrick suffered a right knee injury during last season’s training camp. He tore his ACL and missed the entire 2022 season after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery.<\/p>\n
During the 2020 and 2021 seasons, Patrick combined for 104 receptions and 11 touchdowns in 33 games. He was considered one of the emotional leaders of the team and a vocal voice in the locker room.<\/p>\n
Many people can’t compete like him,” said Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
“A player like Tim is so well-respected,” added Payton.<\/p>\n
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The Broncos have been cursed since 2021 when it comes to their wide receivers. Their core four, Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, Patrick, and Hamler, played only two games together over the last three seasons.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
This season hasn’t even begun and the Broncos lost two wide receivers after Hamler shared some unfortunate news.<\/p>\n
Heart Issue Sidelines K.J. Hamler<\/h2>\n
Patrick suffered his Achilles injury a few hours before wide receiver Hamler made a stunning announcement on social media. Hamler will step away from the team to address a heart issue.<\/p>\n
After experiencing chest pain during a workout, Hamler consulted a doctor and was diagnosed with a mild heart irritation called pericarditis.<\/strong><\/p>\nHamler began training camp with a nonfootball illness (NFI) and had yet to join the team in an official practice.<\/p>\n
The Broncos waived Hamler on Monday with an NFI designation, which clears up a roster space while Hamler seeks treatment. The Broncos intend to bring Hamler back when he’s healthy, but there\u2019s no specific timetable. Pericarditis is treatable with medication and a new diet.<\/p>\n
I have been through hell and back,” said Hamler on Instagram. “But it’s hard to reach paradise if you don’t go through hell first.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Hamler also has a history of knee injuries having torn his ACL during the 2021 season. He appeared in only three games in 2021 and missed time with a hip injury.<\/p>\n
The Broncos drafted Hamler with a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Penn State. He showed promise as a rookie with 30 receptions and three touchdowns in 13 games.<\/p>\n
Betting the Broncos in 2023<\/h2>\n
Jeudy will be Wilson’s primary target, and Sutton is currently WR #2 on the depth chart. Jeudy led the Broncos with 67 catches for 972 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games last season. Sutton contributed 64 receptions for 829 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games.<\/p>\n
After the Patrick injury and Hamler\u2019s heart issue, the Broncos will also rely on newly added veterans. Marquez Callaway and Lil’Jordan Humphrey, who joined the team in free agency. Payton previously coached Callaway and Humphrey, who both began their careers with the Saints.<\/p>\n
Rookie Marvin Mims Jr. could also see an uptick in playing time with Patrick out for the season. The Broncos selected Oklahoma’s Mims with a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.<\/p>\n
The Broncos finished in last place in the AFC West in 2022 with a 5-12 record. Oddsmakers listed the Broncos with a win total of 8.5 over\/under in 2023.<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Broncos are +180 odds to make the playoffs, according to a prop bet by DraftKings. They are -215 favorites to miss the postseason.<\/p>\n