The Denver Broncos have a big matchup against the Green Bay Packers on tap for Week 15, and they could enter it short-handed at a critical spot. The Broncos hit the practice field for the first time this week on Wednesday, albeit without Pat Bryant.
Bryant’s absence stood out for the Broncos to start the week.
While it is early in the process, there is significant doubt that Bryant will suit up for the Broncos against the Packers.
Broncos Breakout Rookie Pat Bryant Trending in Wrong Direction
GettyPat Bryant #13 of the Denver Broncos runs with the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Bryant was a third-round pick out of the University of Illinois, selected by the Broncos 74th overall in the 2024 draft.
His production has surged in recent weeks, and he has seemingly toppled 2024 fourth-round selection Troy Franklin as the team’s second perimeter option opposite WR1 and 2019 Pro Bowler Courtland Sutton.
Despite his playing through the injury in Week 14, Bryant is expected to miss Week 15.
“Broncos WR Pat Bryant is expected to be sidelined this weekend with a hamstring per source,” KOA’s Benjamin Allbright reported on X on December 10.
Bryant has 22 receptions for 305 yards and 1 touchdown on the season. After turning 10 targets into five receptions for 46 yards over his first seven games, Bryant has a 17-259-1 line on 26 looks in his last six outings.
Likewise, Bryant’s snap share has risen from 36.1% to 54% in the Broncos’ offense.
The Broncos will turn to Franklin, veteran Lil’Jordan Humphrey, and 2023 second-round pick Marvin Mims if Bryant is unable to suit up against the Packers.
Pat Bryant Works on Side Field to Begin Week 15
GettyPat Bryant #13 of the Denver Broncos goes through a drill during the offseason program.
Bryant’s status is up in the air, if only since he was the only one of four Broncos players listed on the first injury report of the week.
He joined a trio of veterans in defensive tackle D.J. Jones, left guard Ben Powers, who is on injured reserve, and tight end Nate Adkins. All three players sat out the Broncos’ Week 13 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, and Adkins and Powers have missed multiple games.
And yet, Bryant was the only one on Wednesday’s report who did not practice in some capacity.
“Bryant moved to the side rehab field after walkthrough,” 9News’ Mike Klis reported in a post on X on December 10.
The Broncos have navigated numerous injuries this season, including to All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. They remain without starting running back J.K. Dobbins, who could return for an extended postseason run.
Pat Bryant Sends Message Amid Absence From Practice
GettyPat Bryant #13 of the Denver Broncos celebrates against the Arizona Cardinals.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton is unlikely to clarify Bryant’s status much beyond the official injury report. Encouragingly, the rookie was seemingly in good spirits amid his absence from practice.
“Thank you god for another amazing year of life!” Bryant posted on X on December 10, adding praying hands and heart emojis and hashtagging it “#23.”
The Broncos have two more practice sessions this week.
Bryant will likely receive treatment whenever possible in efforts to progress enough to gain clearance for game day, as the Broncos continue preparations for the Packers’ visit to the Mile High City in Week 15.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Broncos Rookie Playmaker Sends Message Amid Unfortunate Update appeared first on Heavy Sports.