While the Denver Broncos were ultimately triumphant in their week two victory over the Dallas Cowboys, the cost might have been greater than the win itself.
The Broncos watched their prized 2017 first-round pick, Garett Bolles, go down and stay down after falling awkwardly on his ankle in the third quarter of Denver’s 42-17 victory. Bolles was carted off the field after being unable to put any weight on his leg.
Though he slammed his fist on the turf in pain and frustration, Bolles waved to the crowd and blew Broncos fans a kiss as he was carted off into the locker room.
Bolles, who has made a name for himself with his passionate play on the field and intense personality off of it, was in tears as Broncos trainers tended to him on the field.
Teammates huddled around him, including the entire offensive line unit to give the rookie encouragement and positive vibes, he departed for the Broncos’ locker room.
Initial reports ranged from a “questionable return” during the game to a season-ending injury. After the game, Bolles’ wife provided an update via Twitter on the status of the injury:
https://twitter.com/n_bolles/status/909582661080850432
While many fans exhaled a sigh of relief, the feeling was short-lived, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported a much gloomier outlook for the Broncos’ rookie left tackle:
Broncos are concerned that rookie first-round pick Garett Bolles broke his ankle, per source. Hoping it's a high ankle sprain. MRI in am.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 18, 2017
Of course, this is all speculation for an injury that initial x-rays could not reveal in more detail.
https://twitter.com/MikeKlis/status/909606405933604864
Until the Broncos have more information from an MRI scheduled for Monday morning, fans and media alike are left with little but speculation regarding the severity of the injury and how much time Bolles could miss.
Boilles was the Broncos’ top 2017 draft pick out of Utah, dubbed by many as the draft class’ best offensive tackle. He has made headlines for his passion and love of the game of football. Throughout the preseason, Bolles showed natural talent and promise as a franchise left tackle. In the regular-season opener, he held his own against the Los Angeles Chargers’ star pass rushers Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa. He was even better against Dallas before the injury.
Should Bolles miss extended time, the Broncos may turn to veteran tackle Donald Stephenson, who played left tackle in relief of Bolles’ injury. Stephenson has experience playing both right and left tackle, but was criticized heavily for his play last season. Offseason trade acquisition Allen Barbre also spent time at left tackle in relief of Bolles in the second half Sunday.
Make no mistake, this injury could be devastating to the Broncos’ playoff hopes. A severe injury could hamper Bolles’ development as an NFL left tackle. Until then, Broncos Country will hope for the best as they await further results of the extent of Bolles’ injury.