Denver Broncos: Juwann Winfree is up with Tim Patrick down

The Denver Broncos were not only beaten by the Oakland Raiders, they were broken, suffering a number of injuries including WR Tim Patrick.

The Denver Broncos were beaten by the Oakland Raiders 24-16, and they were also broken in the game.

Unfortunately, I mean that quite literally for wide receiver Tim Patrick, the fourth wide receiver on the Broncos’ depth chart who reportedly broke his hand and was seen after the game in a cast by the media.

Patrick had some really clutch moments in the 2018 season for the Broncos including against the Oakland Raiders a couple of times as well as at the end of the Broncos’ mid-season win against the Los Angeles Chargers.

It was expected Patrick had taken another step forward in his game, but we’ll have to wait a while to see him back on the field.

Internet doctors will tell you a broken hand recovery time is roughly 3-4 weeks, which would obviously be good news for Patrick who would not have to go on injured reserve in that case.

If Patrick is out an extended period of time, it’s going to be rookie Juwann Winfree — a sixth-round pick out of Colorado — who will be the next man up.

Winfree had a nice training camp and preseason, showing off his route running ability, strong hands, and ability to win deep downfield.

Although Winfree had a solid offseason, the Broncos made him a healthy inactive for their game against the Oakland Raiders.

Patrick only played eight snaps offensively, but he added another nine snaps on special teams. The Broncos will need Winfree to go and play on coverage units as well as occasionally on offense, but the receiver position remains in-tact at the top of the depth chart.

What do you need to know about Winfree?

Juwann Winfree

College: Colorado
Draft: 6th round
40-time: 4.50
Best trait: Route running/hands
Worst trait: Injuries in college

The Broncos’ next opponent is the Chicago Bears, so we’ll likely see Winfree make his debut there.