Courtland Sutton Talks the Impact of Tim Patrick's Return to Broncos

Tim Patrick is back after missing the entire 2022 season.

When the Denver Broncos lost veteran wide receiver Tim Patrick to a season-ending ACL injury last summer, it knocked the wind out of their sails and much more than the team thought at first glance. Certain players offer a vital spark and provide a catalyst that ignites a locker room, and Patrick had assumed a leadership role, to say nothing of his receiving production.

Unfortunately, Patrick's 2022 season ended before it had even begun. The injury removed a major weapon from Russell Wilson's arsenal when he desperately needed a dependable escape valve.

Fellow wide receiver Courtland Sutton suffered the same type of ACL tear himself back in 2021, so he's well aware of the arduous journey Patrick has had to negotiate.

“Man, it’s so good to see him back out there," Sutton said of Patrick last Thursday. "Myself, being able to know where he’s coming from in that situation. Know the ins and outs of the rehab process. Him being here the entire time everybody was gone. Him working his butt off to do that and then him continuing to progress and get to the spot that he wants to get to physically." 

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Patrick has developed into a popular player with Broncos fans on account of his ability to come up with the tough catch time and time again. Sutton respects his friend’s gutsy game, but he also pointed towards the competitive intangibles that Patrick brings to the table, which benefit the Broncos in 2023.

"Tim’s going to always be a dog," Sutton said. "He’s going to always be a guy that can go out there and make plays, be a spark, be a leader. It’s been great having him back in the meeting room, back on the field. You can hear him back there talking to the young guys as well. It’s just nice to have another vet presence in that room.”

The long road through any recovery can be lonely without a support network, but thankfully, Sutton was close at hand. Now that Patrick is arriving at his desired destination, it serves the dual purpose of letting him and others turn the page on the woes of last season.

When new head coach Sean Payton took stock of his new roster, the riches he had at the wide receiver position must have pleased him. Sutton and Patrick provide Wilson with a pair of big, physical receivers to make the tough catches in traffic, something that will undoubtedly put a big smile on the QB's face.

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