Jerry Jeudy Set to Make Season Debut for Broncos
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos offense has been plagued by injuries to its pass-catchers, but the return of wide receiver Jerry Jeudy to the lineup on Sunday will provide a much-needed boost. Jeudy, who suffered a pulled right hamstring during a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams on August 24, missed the Broncos’ season-opening loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. However, after practicing fully all week, he is set to play against the Washington Commanders.
Broncos coach Sean Payton confirmed that Jeudy would not be on a pitch count for snaps in the game, stating, “No, he’s healthy, he’s good.” Jeudy’s return is expected to improve an offense that struggled to create explosive plays and scoring opportunities in their loss to the Raiders. The team’s longest pass play in that game was a 21-yard catch-and-run by wide receiver Brandon Johnson, and quarterback Russell Wilson averaged just 6.6 yards per completion.
The loss to the Raiders marked the 12th time in the Broncos’ past 18 games that they have scored 16 or fewer points. They have a 4-8 record in those games. Wilson expressed his excitement about having Jeudy back on the field, saying, “Jerry is such an explosive player… We definitely aren’t gun-shy, [we] aren’t afraid to attack down the field.”
In addition to Jeudy, the Broncos have also been dealing with injuries to their wide receivers and tight ends. Greg Dulcich, the team’s best receiving tight end, will miss Sunday’s game and is expected to be out for several weeks due to a hamstring injury suffered in the first half against the Raiders. KJ Hamler, one of the fastest players on the team, is currently not on the roster due to a heart ailment that is being treated with medication. Tim Patrick, another wide receiver, suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon injury during training camp.
Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi praised Jeudy’s skills as a route runner and emphasized his ability to consistently get separation from defenders. He stated, “You feel really good when he’s matched up man to man, so when you recognize that, [he is] someone you look to early as a quarterback… The more receivers that you have that can win those one-on-one matchups, the easier it is. It’ll definitely be good to have him back.”
Jeudy was the Broncos’ leading touchdown scorer last season with six touchdowns. In the final six games of the 2022 season, he recorded 37 receptions for 523 yards and three touchdowns. His return will provide a much-needed boost to a Broncos offense that ranked last in the league in scoring offense last year.
With Jeudy back in the lineup, the Broncos hope to create more explosive plays and improve their scoring output. His presence on the field will give quarterback Russell Wilson a reliable target and open up opportunities for other receivers as well. The Broncos are eager to see Jeudy’s impact on the offense and are hopeful that his return will help them secure a victory against the Washington Commanders on Sunday.
In conclusion, Jerry Jeudy’s return to the Denver Broncos’ lineup is highly anticipated. His explosive playmaking ability and route-running skills will provide a much-needed boost to an offense that has struggled to score points. With Jeudy back on the field, the Broncos hope to create more explosive plays and improve their overall offensive performance. The team is excited to have him back and is optimistic about his impact on the game against the Washington Commanders.