Russell Wilson should take his time before returning to Denver Broncos lineup
The Denver Broncos have ruled out quarterback Russell Wilson for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets. Wilson had suffered a hamstring injury but was able to finish last week’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers. It marks yet another hurdle in the team’s quest back to relevancy.
Sitting at 2-4 on the season, the Denver Broncos have looked very rough despite the upgrade at quarterback from the last six seasons. While the team signed Wilson to a $245 million deal, putting him out on the field while he is less than 100 percent would just be a dumb move. Hamstring injuries are very difficult to get over and while the Broncos are not mathematically out of the playoff race, it just feels like a lost season already. So, why risk further injury?
The Broncos head to London for their October 30th game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars are also sitting at 2-4 on the year. Given last season’s performance against them, a 23-13 win, I could see Wilson remaining out for this game too.
Specifically, I feel as if the Broncos’ defense can take care of business against the Jaguars, against second-year first-overall pick Trevor Lawrence. It certainly is a possibility that Lawrence could outperform expectations, but I like my chances with cornerback Pat Surtain, as well as safety Justin Simmons hopefully returning to form after he missed time on injured reserve and came back only last week.
When it comes to the future of the Broncos’ quarterback situation, there is no question. Wilson is obviously their long-term plan but what good is he if he’s hobbling around out there on the field? It gets the team nowhere. Wilson does need all the time in the world to work with his new team, but it makes no sense to rush him back only to likely just underperform.
Brett Rypien will get the start this Sunday. Rypien is 1-0 as a starter. His only start came against, coincidentally, the Jets.