Denver Broncos: Mark Barron is starting to get lost in disappointing start
The injured reserve list for the Denver Broncos is growing, and Mark Barron is now part of it.
Just before the season started, the Broncos brought in coverage linebacker Mark Barron, a guy with the athleticism and versatility to also play safety. The former first-round pick has made some big plays in his career and as a result, was an intriguing signing for the team.
But he has yet to take a snap in the regular season and on Wednesday, was placed on injured reserve. This means that Barron will miss at least the next three games and with the time already missed, that is at least the first five games of the season the team won’t have him.
Barron is a guy many, including myself, were looking forward to seeing play. The Broncos have had issues covering tight ends for what seems like forever and keeping up with running backs out of the backfield has been rough at times too. Barron was brought in specifically for those reasons and likely would have seen a good amount of snaps in sub packages.
But a hamstring injury has kept him off the field as he is one of the guy’s being worked on in what is becoming a busy trainer’s room.
More from Predominantly Orange
- Broncos chances of landing Sean Payton dwindling, but not gone
- Denver Broncos dream coaching staff for DeMeco Ryans
- Denver Broncos: “Sleeper” David Shaw checks every box
- The Broncos’ coaching search likely has not gone to plan
- Special Chiefs Suck Offer: Bet $5, Win $150 if Joe Burrow Passes for ONE YARD vs KC
In addition to Barron, the Broncos also placed defensive lineman DeMarcus Walker on injured reserve Wednesday. They join a list that includes Courtland Sutton, Dre’Mont Jones, Justin Strnad, A.J. Bouye, Austin Fort and of course Von Miller.
Offensive tackle Ja’Wuan James opted out before the season started.
It’s tough to win when you’re missing all of that talent and just two games into the regular season, the Broncos will be in deep water if the injury bug doesn’t leave soon.
Interestingly, the team has chosen not to play Drew Lock on IR despite the prognosis that he could miss up to six weeks. The hope is that he’ll be back much sooner.
As for Barron, he signed so late in the offseason that many fans may not even realize he is on the team. Others may not be as familiar with him. But he could be a guy that adds an element to the defensive side of the ball that it doesn’t have.
Hopefully, he can get on the field and show that sooner rather than later.