Broncos WRs With Most to Gain From Patrick, Hamler News

Monday was a costly day for the Denver Broncos' wide receiving corps. Two of these wideouts must step up.

Bob Morris | Jul 31, 2023

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Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos wide receiver room lost two players expected to contribute in 2023. Unfortunately, they're two receivers, both of whom missed a lot of time last year, too.

Tim Patrick, who tore his ACL during 2022 training camp, suffered a torn Achilles on Monday. He'll miss his second straight season because of a significant training camp injury.

Meanwhile, KJ Hamler, who has battled injuries throughout his career, was waived in a procedural move on Monday. He's sidelined because of mild heart inflammation, which comes on the heels of a torn pec suffered during offseason workouts this past spring.

In Hamler's case, he would have missed the season if placed on the non-football injury list, but he isn't expected to miss the season and may be brought back. Patrick's injury likely means he will never play another snap for the Broncos. He was due $5.5 million in fully guaranteed salary this year and $8M total, but he has no guaranteed money in 2024 and will likely be a future cap casualty.

Hamler already renegotiated the final year of his contract to give the Broncos injury protection in exchange for incentives. That contract will no longer be in effect once he clears waivers. If he's brought back, his deal would be for fewer than 17 games because he is expected to miss at least a couple of regular-season outings.

But what does this mean for the rest of the Broncos' wide receiver room? Let's look at who will need to step up with Patrick out for the season and Hamler gone for at least the earlier part of the season.

We already know that much will be expected from Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy, but now others on the depth chart must step up. Let's look at seven depth receivers, in particular, who suddenly have an enormous opportunity to earn a bigger role in the wake of a costly Monday.

Marvin Mims, Jr.

The Broncos 2023 second-round pick will now become the team's primary speed threat in the receiving corps. Chances were he was going to get considerable playing time when he was drafted, but now, that playing time is all but assured.

Mims did miss the first couple of days of training camp with a sore hamstring but was practicing as of Monday.

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Marquez Callaway

The former New Orleans Saints wide receiver wasn't tendered as a restricted free agent. He played for Sean Payton in 2020 and 2021 and could be in line for a larger role.

Callaway was productive in his second season (2021), in which he caught 46 passes for 698 yards and six touchdowns under Payton. He will at least bring some experience to the Broncos' receiving corps.

Kendall Hinton

Hinton was likely on the roster bubble going into training camp but now his chances of making have increased, though it would be as a depth player. He will still need to show what he can do on special teams to ensure a roster spot.

Keep in mind that Hinton doesn't bring a skill set that's similar to either Patrick or Hamler, so while his chances of making the roster are better, they're far from guaranteed.

Lil'Jordan Humphrey

Another former Saints receiver, Humphrey could be in line to replace Patrick as the next 'big man' receiver on the roster. Humphrey proved to be a good depth player in 2021, Payton's final year with the Saints.

Humphrey's familiarity with Payton's scheme could give him a leg up over other receivers. Keep an eye on him in training camp.

Montrell Washington

Going into the offseason, most would have pegged Washington to be waived after training camp. But while he was somebody the previous coaching staff liked, he now has his chance to prove to a new coaching staff he can improve.

Washington brings speed and, at times, he showed promise in the return game. The opportunity is now there for him to replace Hamler.

Brandon Johnson

In the 2022 preseason, Johnson showed some promise but failed to make the 53-man roster. But he was signed to the practice squad and played in seven games with one start.

Johnson even had a touchdown reception in his rookie season. He brings some size and could provide depth at the 'big man' receiver.

Jalen Virgil

Finally, we have another receiver who did some good things in the 2022 preseason, though he didn't make the final roster. Jalen Virgil did make the practice squad, was active for nine games, and has a 66-yard touchdown reception to his credit.

Virgil has speed and experience returning kicks. That would help in being a possible replacement for Hamler's roster spot.

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Published Jul 31, 2023

BOB MORRIS

Bob Morris has served as Mile High Huddle's resident Cap Analyst covering the Denver Broncos and NFL since 2017. His works have been featured on Scout.com, 247Sports.com, CBSSports.com and BleacherReport.com.