Denver Broncos: Ja’Wuan James on track to return next week?
The Denver Broncos lost right tackle Ja’Wuan James 10 snaps into the first game of the year. He is on track to be back potentially next week.
The Denver Broncos have not had the greatest initial luck with their biggest free agents signed in 2019 so far.
Head coach Vic Fangio revealed on Wednesday that cornerback Bryce Callahan would be missing the next 4-6 weeks after trying a procedure on his ailing foot.
In week one of the 2019 season, the Broncos lost starting right tackle Ja’Wuan James just 10 snaps into their first game to a knee injury, but they thankfully avoided a long-term injury.
James got a big-money contract from the Broncos this offseason at four years, $51 million, which at the time made him the highest-paid right tackle in the NFL. The Oakland Raiders moved Trent Brown to the right side, and he took over the top spot in league history at that point.
James’ knee injury in week one put him on a 2-4 week timetable, and according to Fangio, he’s on track with that pace.
"“He’s doing good. I believe we said it was two to four [weeks]. I think he’s on schedule to meet that timetable.”Vic Fangio (quotes via Broncos PR)"
Putting the two and two together, James on a 2-4 week timetable after week one puts us on track to see him next week in Los Angeles against the Chargers.
The Broncos don’t have to rush him back with Elijah Wilkinson playing some good football lately, but James obviously needs to get out on the field to earn the massive contract with all that guaranteed money he earned.
As well as Wilkinson has played, the Broncos’ offensive line still needs to do a much better job overall. Mike Munchak is working on that unit and hopefully by the end of the season, we’ll be talking about how well things came together for them rather than how tough the first year with Munchak was.
dark. Next. Fallout of Bryce Callahan's extended absence
James is obviously a huge part of the equation. The Broncos have to be excited to get him back after he will likely miss his third game of the 2019 season this week against Jacksonville.