Broncos Lose Two Key Players To Concussions In Win Over Panthers

The Denver Broncos got a narrow win over the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte on Sunday, but the 26-21 win came with another pair of costly injuries as the Broncos lost receiver Jaylen Waddle and cornerback Riley Moss to concussions according to Jeff Legwold of ESPN. 

Waddle was the first to leave, as he sustained his injury near the end fo the first quarter. He was hit after making a catch by safety Zakee Wheatley, who knocked the ball free. Waddle got up quickly after the hit and went to the huddle, but after that he left the feild and didn’t return. 

That caused some personnel shuffling, as a series of rotating receivers spelled Waddle. Quarterback Bo Nix referred to is as “musical chairs,” but it didn’t affect his productivity late in the game as he led yet another fourth-quarter comeback. 

Legwold’s report didn’t contain any updates on the timing and aftermath of Ross’s injury, but coach Sean Payton didn’t sound concerned, as he said,"I don't think [it's] anything serious, prior to the bye.’’

Payton added that both players were “the same,” which was evidently a reference to their symptoms or the degree of severity of their respective concussions, but the bye week is the key part of his response. 

The Broncos are currently 7-2, and they’re a half-game ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West. The Broncos have had some tough injury luck this season, as their lineup has been a revolving door with players shuffling in and out. 

They could definitely use the bye to get completely healthy or close, which would set them up for the stretch run. One-score wins are the trademark for the Broncos, and that seems likely to continue going forward. 

The win against Carolina was satisfying, but tougher than it had to be. The Broncos controlled the game early defensively as they ran out to a ten-point lead in the first quarter, but they almost let the game get away from them when quarterback Bryce Young got hot and lead Carolina to a third-quarter lead. 

Once again, it was Denver’s defensive depth that won the game for the Broncos. Safety Devon Key stepped up and made a brilliant interception in the third quarter that made the difference, and Key is a backup with Talanoa Hufanga still struggling to come back from an ankle injury. Denver should get Hufanga back soon, as he, too, will be helped by the bye.