Jerry Jeudy goes down early against Texans

Sep 18, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Steven Nelson (21) tackles Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (10) in the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Steven Nelson (21) tackles Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (10) in the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy went down with an injury during the first quarter of Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans. 

Jerry Jeudy left the game with what appeared to be a shoulder injury following an incomplete pass on 1st-and-10. He was hit and taken to the ground by Texans defensive back Steven Nelson. Though he did walk off under his own power, he is being listed as questionable to return.

This will be a situation to monitor throughout the game as the Broncos are already limited at the wide receiver position with Tim Patrick out for the year and K.J. Hamler also missing this game.

The team’s overall depth has also been called into question.

Last year, Jeudy was hurt during the season opener against the New York Giants and had to miss several weeks due to a high ankle sprain. Now, he is again injured early in the year.

If Jeudy is unable to return, the Broncos will have Courtland Sutton as the main target in the passing game but will have to rely on rookie Montrell Washington, Tyrie Cleveland and Kendall Hinton, who was just elevated from the practice squad.

Jalen Virgil was made inactive for this game.

Denver Broncos, Jerry Jeudy
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The Broncos do have an experienced passer in Russell Wilson, which greatly helps, as he has made lesser-known wide receivers into guys who have made plays many times during his career. If Jeudy is unable to return, he will need to do that again in order to help the Broncos avoid a disastrous 0-2 start.

Prior to the injury, Jeudy had one catch for 11 yards and he was coming off of a solid performance against the Seattle Seahawks. Hopefully, he does not miss any great length of time.

The team may decide to keep him out of the rest of this game as a precautionary move as well.

Schedule