Broncos’ Patrick out for season with torn Achilles

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Denver Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick, who missed the 2022 season with a torn right ACL, suffered a torn left Achilles during practice Monday.

Coach Sean Payton confirmed the diagnosis on Tuesday. Patrick was carted off the field with the injury and an MRI confirmed the Achilles tear, meaning the receiver will miss his second consecutive season with an injury.

“Of course, he’s disappointed … he’s tough-minded … and the good news it’s clean injury, and that it’s better than likely, 100%, recovery,” said Payton, who indicated he talked with Patrick on Monday night.

Later Monday, the Broncos took another hit to their wide receiver depth chart when KJ Hamler announced on Instagram that he has been diagnosed with a “mild heart irritation, called pericarditis.” He said he would miss some time but intended to be back on the field this season after treatment with medication.

Patrick suffered his torn ACL on Aug. 5 last year. Monday, Patrick went to the ground when he made a cut during a 7-on-7 drill and there was no defender near him.

“I was watching it directly, he was running a route, it was something we had corrected earlier, on air, planted, thought it looked like he slipped,” Payton said Monday.

Patrick, one of the team’s emotional leaders, led the team in touchdown receptions (five) in 2021, the last full season he played.

“Many people can’t compete like him,” Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II said.

Payton was asked how difficult it was to see Patrick carted off the practice field after seeing the work the receiver had put in during the offseason to be ready to have a significant role in the offense.

“Oh my gosh, I think especially with a player like him … who’s so well respected,” Payton said.

It continues the run of bad injury luck the Broncos have had at the position. Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, Hamler and Patrick have played just two games together over the last three seasons.

Sutton suffered a torn ACL in 2020, Hamler suffered a torn ACL as well as hip injury in 2021, and Patrick had his torn ACL last year.