Broncos Camp | Day 5: Team Pivots After Tim Patrick Carted Off

Day 5 of Denver Broncos camp unfolded in an unexpected way in the wake of an injury to a team leader.

Englewood, CO – On Monday, the pads went on at Centura Health Training Center. When the Denver Broncos announced that fans would be capped at 3,000 per day via the new ticketed system, many of those folks made plans to attend Monday's practice because there’s nothing quite like football in the summer when players are popping each other in pads. 

Not to mention that fans, media, and players are still getting to know head coach Sean Payton as the undisputed leader of the franchise, which makes practice significantly more intriguing. On Monday, the Broncos opened their third training camp practice, but it was our first glimpse at the team in full pads. 

On a day that was supposed to feature excitement and fast-paced action, it devolved into a familiar agony after veteran wideout Tim Patrick was carted off with what is believed to be a torn left Achilles tendon. While thoughts and prayers are undoubtedly with Patrick, it was interesting to see how Coach Payton responded to the devastating injury. 

The first-year play caller opted to continue practice while monitoring the eery feel of players and coaches. When injuries happen during a regular season game, the game must go on just as Payton led the rest of the team through practice.

There’s no way around it; Patrick’s injury affected the rest of Monday's practice. As painful as it may be, here are three scathing takeaways from Day 5's practice at Centura Health Training Center.

Patrick's Future in Denver Now Clouded

Almost one year removed from his season-ending ACL tear in 2022 (363 days), Patrick slipped while making a cut on a route in the early reps of 7-on-7 drills. It was a non-contact injury where a collective gasp permeated from the crowd as Patrick threw his helmet off in anguish and rage. Moments later, the wideout had trouble bearing weight on his left leg.

Just like last summer, No. 81’s exit at practice sent shockwaves of anxiety and heartbreak through the rest of his teammates. Patrick has been working hard over the first two practices of camp on the heels of a successful rehab this offseason. I was very surprised by the amount of work that he put in during the first two days of practice, sporting a new brace on his right knee from last year’s injury. 

There’s no denying Patrick’s presence on and off the field, but the man has been snakebitten with injuries dating back to his college days at the University of Utah. The leader and veteran that he is, Patrick’s injury destroyed the energy of Monday's practice. 

Broncos players were obviously worried about their comrade but rallied with coaches to finish the first full day of pads. But the team pivoted slightly with a heavy emphasis on player safety, specifically not taking guys to the ground or tackling. 

The irony in this whole ordeal is that for a second straight year, Patrick sustained a non-contact injury during a padded practice and is looking at yet another long road of recovery. 

The question being raised now is, has Patrick played his last down in Denver? We won't know for some time. 

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Undrafted RB is Making a Case for the Roster

The Broncos have had a rich history of undrafted rookies making the team and finding success in the NFL, especially at the running back position with Pro Bowlers in the past decade like C.J. Anderson and Phillip Lindsay.

This year, undrafted rookie Jaleel McLaughlin out of Youngstown State is turning heads from Payton’s coaching staff and continues to earn opportunities. At 5-foot-9 and 183 pounds, McLaughlin has put together three straight practices showing his versatility and willingness to pound the rock. 

The 22-year-old has frequently demonstrated his soft hands as a pass catcher from all three Broncos quarterbacks. On Monday, McLaughlin exploded for a touchdown in the run game during an inside handoff. Just a couple of plays later, the dodgy back showed a burst and an advanced level of vision on an outside zone run.

The story of the Broncos' running back room has been headlined by Javonte Williams’ comeback. ‘Pookie’ and running mate Samaje Perine looked exceptional as the Broncos' one-two punch of power and strength. 

However, McLaughlin is quickly making a name for himself as a lightning-quick playmaker that has drawn comparisons from experts in the scouting community to the aforementioned Lindsay. So far, McLaughlin is flashing on nearly every play. 

McLaughlin has obviously been studying the playbook, showing preparation, and is continually drawing praises from coaches and veteran teammates alike. Speed has been missing from the Broncos backfield for some time now, and McLaughlin is starting to make a solid case for the 53-man roster in Denver.

Randy Gregory Eyeing a Comeback

Denver's rush linebacker position was a severe concern of mine heading into training camp. Broncos Country is still searching for its next dominant pass rusher as Von Miller and Bradley Chubb continue their respective careers elsewhere.

Gregory, who spent a good portion of the 2022 season on injured reserve with a knee injury, was underwhelming in his first year with the Broncos, logging 12 tackles, two sacks, and seven QB hits in six games last season. Broncos GM George Paton inked Gregory to a five-year, $70 million contract after negotiations fell through with the Dallas Cowboys. Gregory would go on to get suspended for one game after a fight with a Los Angeles Rams player on Christmas Day.

But so far, so good for Gregory this summer. Sporting the unconventional No. 5 jersey, he's had a consistent and productive three days of training camp, displaying fundamental technique and assignment-based production. 

In position drills, Gregory is consistently leading his peers with quick hands and improved strength off the line of scrimmage. While it can be hard to gauge an edge defender in an environment where the QB is protected, Gregory has been giving the Broncos' offensive line all it can handle.

Gregory's health and discipline remain question marks for many folks in Broncos Country, but three days into camp, he's off to a good start.

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