Broncos' Patrick expected to miss season with reported torn ACL

Denver Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick is expected to miss the 2022 season after suffering a knee injury during Tuesday's practice, the team announced.

Denver didn't specify Patrick's injury, but an MRI revealed he suffered a torn ACL, a source told Mike Klis of 9News.

Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett indicated Patrick's injury was serious when he spoke to reporters after the session.

"It breaks your heart," he said, according to Troy Renck of Denver7. "The worst part of this game is when things like that happen."

Patrick, Courtland Sutton, and Jerry Jeudy were set to headline a Denver receiving group that was widely expected to be one of the NFL's most-improved units with the arrival of Russell Wilson.

The five-year veteran signed a three-year, $30-million deal last November.

Patrick established himself as a consistent presence in the Broncos' offense over the last two campaigns despite inconsistent quarterback play, producing a combined 104 catches for 1,476 yards and 11 touchdowns.

It's the third straight year Denver has lost a starting wideout to a torn ACL following early season injuries to Sutton in 2020 and KJ Hamler in 2021.

Hamler - who was removed from the physically unable to perform list Monday - Montrell Washington, and Seth Williams will likely take on expanded roles in Patrick's absence.

Denver's offense suffered another setback as running back Damarea Crockett announced he also suffered a season-ending ACL injury at Tuesday's practice.

Entering his second year in Denver, Crockett was in a fight for one of the remaining running back spots behind Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams.

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