It had been 343 days since Courtland Sutton had been on a football field for the Denver Broncos.

Saturday evening, the 2019 Broncos’ Pro-Bowler returned from a year-long absence. His return from an ACL tear was impressive in a limited sample size.

The outcome of the game was highlighted by the strong performances of Sutton, and fellow veteran returning from injury, Von Miller.

When returning from an ACL injury, most players express their biggest concern is not a lack of physical ability, but a lack of trust and confidence in the knee to respond correctly.

Sutton appeared to be confident and played strong. The fourth-year wideout was able to do everything asked of him, and then some.

The Broncos captain for the third preseason game, Sutton needed to get over the last hurdle in his recovery. He needed to test himself in game like situations. His knee had to respond the way it always had when there is contact so he could feel 100 percent confident in himself again.

“Yeah, it definitely gives him a confidence boost,” head coach Vic Fangio said when asked if the star receiver’s performance Saturday night was a confidence booster for his receiver. “Just to be out there playing, running routes, out there competing [and] knowing he could get hit for the first time.”

Breaking down Sutton’s handful of reps against the Los Angeles Rams, he looked confident and ready in all facets of his game. All of his offseason work resulted in a special performance from No. 14.

How Broncos’ Sutton looked in his limited action

On his first reception, Sutton shook the defender at the top of his route stem and broke outside. The defensive back was spun around, and Sutton made an easy reception for a big first-down.

The plant came off his left knee, which was the knee that ended his 2020 season, providing Sutton with more confidence he is truly back.

To top his early performance off, Sutton reeled in his first touchdown reception of the preseason.

It was also his first touchdown catch since scoring two times against the Los Angeles Chargers, 637 days ago.

The touchdown catch signaled something more than just a preseason score. It is more than just a point of praise on the grade sheet during film study. The play signified something special, not only for Sutton but for his teammates as well.

Starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater felt it was important to celebrate his teammate’s second-quarter touchdown.

“It was a special moment, and I know it was special for ‘Court,'” Bridgewater told the media post-game.

Bridgewater knows what it was like to come back from a devastating injury. The team’s new leader was able to relate to Sutton’s return.

“I’ve been in a similar situation where you overcome an injury and you enjoy those small victories that boosts your confidence and boosts your mental,” Bridgewater said. “That moment—was so special for ‘Court’ and it was special for this team because we know how much ‘Court’ means to us.”

One last piece of data showing Sutton feels confident in being back is his presence in the running game.

The well-rounded performance gave some insight into the player Sutton is and put the NFL back on notice that he is ready to be elite once again.

In the end, Sutton himself knew how much this ‘meaningless’ Broncos game meant.

“Man it was special,” Sutton stated after the game. “All of my teammates, coaches, training staff, strength staff, equipment staff, the media, the PR guys—everybody has seen the hard work that it has taken for [Miller and me] to be able to come back.

With steady focus, hard work, and the support of the Broncos’ medical staff, Sutton’s return was, as he stated, special.