Denver Broncos Injury News: Chris Harris Jr. Will Be Ready for Training Camp

Oct 27, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (25) intercepts a pass during the second half against the Washington Redskins at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 45-21. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

After a partially torn ACL kept Chris Harris out of the AFC Championship Game and Super Bowl, it was up for debate whether or not he’d be ready for the start of the 2014 season. According to Harris, per ESPN, that’s no longer a question.

“I’m ready, I’ve been working my ass off, excuse my language,” Harris Jr. said with a smile. “I haven’t had an offseason, I’ve been here. I went to Dr. Andrews [for surgery], that was my little vacation and I’ve been here. Treatment every day and now I’m pretty much doing two-a-days, I’m here at 6:45, then coming back for the meetings and the lift. I’m feeling great, I’ll be ready. I’m building my confidence because I wasn’t down too long. I’m able to test things, I just feel confident about what’s going to happen.’’ 

“I’m not doing everything until mid-training camp,’’ Harris Jr. continued. “I’ll probably be ready at the beginning of training camp, but I probably won’t do anything until mid-training camp. I’ll continue to do my workouts, watch and coach them up.’’

Since coming into the league as an undrafted free agent out of Kansas in 2011 (Elway’s first draft class with the team) he has emerged as arguably the best nickel cornerback in the NFL. His physicality and quickness as well as aggressive style have been absolutely phenomenal for the Broncos’ defense, which has seen something of a resurgence in recent years.

Despite the fact that injuries and Von Miller’s suspension caused Denver’s defense to fall in 2013, Harris Jr. has been one of the team’s most consistent and best players over the last three years, and after signing his RFA tender this offseason, he’s one of the Broncos in line for a big pay raise in 2015.

If Harris can prove no ill effects remain from his knee injury, he should be the Broncos’ #2 corner in their base package and move back into his dominant nickel role in sub-packages, which the Broncos play in a majority of the time due to the nature of the league.

The update from Harris is great news. Keep up the hard work, Chris!