Russell Wilson nurses shoulder injury, fueling Broncos' 'chewed-up dog toy' narrative
A 2-2 team hardly screams dumpster fire -- unless it's the Denver Broncos. They've drawn scrutiny for a barrage of problems. Now they have another one: QB Russell Wilson is nursing a right shoulder injury.
The Broncos didn't practice Monday, but Wilson would have been limited if they had, per NBC Sports Mike Florio.
Although Wilson's injury isn't season-ending, a weakened throwing shoulder is concerning. The Broncos made a huge commitment to Wilson, trading two first-round draft picks for the former Seattle star and signing him to a five-year extension with $161 million guaranteed, per Spotrac.
Denver hopes its franchise QB will be durable, but at 33, Wilson has wear and tear. It's fuel for the narrative that he might be a declining player.
The Broncos have other injury concerns. They lost promising second-year running back Javonte Williams for the season with a torn right ACL against the Raiders. Defensive end Randy Gregory will miss significant time because of arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, per Mike Klis of 9News.
Without these playmakers, Wilson faces more pressure to carry the team. It also gives Hackett's critics another reason to take a shot at the first-year head coach.
Denver Post columnist Sean Keeler traces the injuries to Hackett refusing to play starters in the preseason.
"This roster looks like a chewed-up dog toy," Keeler wrote.
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