Denver Broncos: Rookie report card through the bye week

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 4: Running back Phillip Lindsay #30 of the Denver Broncos runs onto the field during player introductions before a game against the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 4, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

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DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 1: Running back Royce Freeman #28 of the Denver Broncos carries the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 1, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

Royce Freeman

Just prior to his injury against the Arizona Cardinals, Royce Freeman was experiencing a slight dip in the effectiveness we’d seen throughout the first part of his rookie season, and he’s now missed two straight games heading into the bye week.

The Broncos bought stock into Freeman very early, naming him the starting running back for the opening week of the season and allowing him to shine, albeit not as often as fans would have liked.

Freeman is averaging 4.4 yards per carry this season and has 20 first-down runs, four touchdowns, and 11 runs of 10 or more yards.

He’s proving he is not only a guy who can move the chains with his bigger body type, but he’s elusive (second among rookies in yards after first contact) and able to break off big gains.

Given more time and more usage in the offense, Freeman could be a 1,000 yard back in the NFL.

Pick grade: B+

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