Training camp hasn’t even started and the Broncos are already banged up.
OK, really these PUP list designations don’t come as much of a surprise.
Randy Gregory was a stunning signing, inking a 5-year deal worth $70 million. Hey, Denver’s defense needed to fill in for the traded-away Von Miller on the edge, and George Paton decided taking a risk by signing Gregory was the right move even though he’s missed 31 games during his 5-year career due to suspension or injury.
Two weeks ago, it was clear Gregory would miss the preseason due to his arthroscopic shoulder surgery this offseason. As the Broncos reported to training camp today, Gregory was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
Joining him was right tackle Billy Turner, who was re-signed this offseason after playing for the Green Bay Packers the last three years. Turner had a knee scope this offseason and he’s reportedly recovering from that.
Turner will be a crucial contributor on the offensive line at that right tackle position. The Broncos’ line has been so-so as of late, but Turner promises to be an upgrade over Bobby Massie last season. Turner and the O-line will be focused on keeping new superstar quarterback Russell Wilson off the turf, which will allow him to make plays and stay healthy.
Also on the list is wide receiver KJ Hamler due to his ACL and hip injuries from last season. Hamler was injured in Week 3 last year and is being held out of camp for the time being as a precaution so he doesn’t push himself too much and re-injure something.
Hamler is the speed demon, fourth wideout for the Broncos on their depth chart. As a rookie in 2020, he showed off that separation with two, 43-yard touchdowns tossed by Drew Lock. But he missed a vast majority of last season with the devastating leg injuries.
Back to the biggest offseason signing in Gregory. “He looks really good,” general manager George Paton said on Tuesday. “He’s had a really good summer. Randy’s been working really hard. I love seeing him work. When I look out my window, I’m seeing him work. He’s shown everything here in his rehab that he’s shown on tape. I think Randy, obviously there’s some work to be down, but we expect him on schedule for Week 1 and we’ll see if we can take him off before then. He looks really good.”
As Paton explained, the team is expecting Gregory to be good to go when the season kicks off against Wilson’s former team, the Seattle Seahawks, on Monday, Sept. 12 at 6:15 p.m. MT.
Similarly, Turner and Hamler are expected to be on the field in Seattle for Week 1.
Unfortunately, it’s likely the Broncos won’t have at least Gregory for the entire preseason. It remains to be seen whether or not Turner or Hamler will go during the now shortened 3-game preseason or not. However, players can be taken off the PUP list at any time and start practicing.
Also injured is undrafted rookie Christopher Allen, who is on the Non-Football Injury List per the team.
While the rookies and veterans reported to Dove Valley for camp today, practices actually begin on Wednesday, July 27 at 10 a.m. MT. Gates open at 9 a.m. MT. The team will practice Wednesday-Saturday, before going six days straight next week and taking Sunday off. In all, there are 14 practices which are free and open to the public, with almost every one starting at 10 a.m.
Denver’s preseason kicks off on Saturday, Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. MT as the Broncos host the Dallas Cowboys.