Who could replace Todd Davis if he were to miss time or be cut?
The Denver Broncos lost starting inside linebacker Todd Davis during Thursday’s practice to an apparent calf injury. Davis has been an integral part of the defense for the past four seasons.
In 2019, his first under Vic Fangio, he played in 14 games and had 134 combined tackles, six for a loss. He has however been criticized in the past for his pass defense, as he only had a single pass defensed.
A year ago in training camp, Davis also suffered a calf injury on the first day of camp that held him out of action until Week 3 of the regular season.
While the injury doesn’t appear to be something that would cause Davis to miss the entire season, it is a troubling trend if he were to miss significant time with a similar injury to a year ago. Mike Klis from 9News had some bleak tweets, indicating that if Davis isn’t healthy, he could find himself on the chopping block as a cap casualty:
Todd Davis suffered partially torn right calf last yr on July 18 (1st camp practice). Didn't return till Game 3, Sept 22, so out 2 months.
— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) August 20, 2020
Davis suffered what appeared serious left calf injury today, Aug 20 (6th camp practice). Similar recovery would mean 4-6 games. #9sports
LB Todd Davis has one year, $5 million left on three-year deal he signed prior to 2018. That $5 million is not guaranteed although he may get it if injury keeps him out into season. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) August 20, 2020
Cutting Davis would free up $4.5 million in cap space for the Broncos, and if they feel like he isn’t going to contribute until mid-year, this could be the route they decide to go.
If Todd Davis were to find himself on the street at the beginning of the season, that could bode well for some in-house options such as rookie ILB Justin Strnad. However, there are a few outside candidates both via free agency or trade that could make sense for the Denver Broncos as well.