Report: Broncos WR Suffers Knee Injury in Loss to Niners

The Denver Broncos lost another wide receiver to the injury bug.

Ron White | Aug 20, 2023

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In Game 2 of the preseason, the Denver Broncos lost to the San Francisco 49ers, 21-20. While there were many positives for the Broncos, there were also a few negatives.

One negative outcome of the game is the injury to second-year wide receiver Jalen Virgil.

The injury occurred during the final seconds of the first half, the handling of which by the officials, head coach Sean Payton found to be disagreeable. Virgil made a double move to turn upfield and beat a Niners defender to catch a 50-yard pass from Jarrett Stidham.

Virgil made it inside the 1-yard line but was unable to remain upright. He was eventually carted off the field and into the locker room. Per 9NEWS’ Mike Klis, the MRI shows that Virgil tore his meniscus but his ACL is still intact.

“Per source, Broncos WR Jalen Virgil will need knee surgery to repair meniscus. Good news is ACL is intact. But he will be down awhile. Injury occurred as he tried to finish his 50-yard catch-n-run to 1-yd line on final play of 1st half Saturday in preseason game vs SF.,” Klis tweeted on Sunday.

Per source, Broncos WR Jalen Virgil will need knee surgery to repair meniscus. Good news is ACL is intact. But he will be down awhile. Injury occurred as he tried to finish his 50-yard catch-n-run to 1-yd line on final play of 1st half Saturday in preseason game vs SF. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) August 20, 2023

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Undrafted out of Appalachian State University, Virgil joined the Broncos in 2022, making the 53-man roster out of training camp. Although he predominately saw playing time on special teams, he was targeted five times as a rookie and scored a 66-yard touchdown.

There is one defining characteristic of Virgil’s game: speed. His vertical ability down the field and catching screen passes make him an ideal gadget player for trick plays. He's very explosive and difficult to defend.

This is a tough break for Virgil and the Broncos. With the injuries to Tim Patrick, KJ Hamler, and Brandon Johnson, Virgil was trying to make the most of his opportunity to reclaim a position on the 53-man roster.

It's good news that it is only a meniscus injury. He has a chance still to contribute in 2023.