Denver Broncos cornerback Duke Dawson Jr. is done for the season with a torn ACL. Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Duke Dawson suffers torn ACL in Broncos' win over Panthers

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 12/14/20

The Denver Broncos were able to edge the Carolina Panthers 32-17 on Sunday for their fifth win of the season. The win was promising, though the Broncos suffered another loss to their secondary.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, cornerback Duke Dawson suffered a torn ACL against Carolina and is done for the season.

#Broncos DB Duke Dawson, who was carted off yesterday, was diagnosed with a torn ACL, source said following the MRI. The former #Patriots second-rounder is out for the season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 14, 2020

With Denver already thin at cornerback, Sunday's game was Dawson's first start at the position. In 12 total games this season, Dawson had just eight combined tackles (two solo).

It's unclear who the Broncos will play at the position now, though Denver could opt to start rookie Michael Ojemudia.

Dawson was a 2018 second-round pick by the New England Patriots. He never played for the franchise and has had a difficult time staying healthy since arriving in Denver.

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