Broncos QB Russell Wilson: Watching WR Tim Patrick go down with torn ACL 'was devastating'

As noted by ESPN's Jeff Legwold for a piece published on Aug. 2, multiple members of the Denver Broncos were visibly shaken up after popular wide receiver Tim Patrick fell to the ground with an injury that required him to be carted off the field during a practice session. 

The fears of everyone involved were later confirmed when it was learned that Patrick had suffered a torn ACL in his right knee that will sideline him for the entire 2022 NFL season. 

Star quarterback Russell Wilson became teammates with Patrick once the trade from the Seattle Seahawks was made official in March. Wilson spoke with reporters Thursday and opened up about how it felt to watch the 28-year-old experience such a setback as he turned to run upfield after completing a catch. 

"It was devastating just to see him go down," Wilson remarked about the situation, according to Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. "Made a great catch and he was accelerating, finishing the play, and [his] knee gave out.

"Tim has been a true pro. Ever since I’ve gotten here, just a true pro. Leader in the locker room, a leader on the field, a leader in every way he’s gone about it. He’s still staying positive, he’s still staying upbeat. He’ll come back stronger."

Per ESPN stats, Patrick finished the 2021 season with a team-high five touchdown catches. He was second among Denver players with 734 receiving yards and third with 53 receptions.