By Jordan Long
The Denver Broncos knocked off the Chicago Bears in their first preseason game 22-0 on Thursday. The Broncos thought they escaped the game without injuries, but they didn’t. Wide receiver Bennie Fowler is out a few weeks, after breaking a bone in his left elbow. According to DenverBroncos.com, Head Coach Gary Kubiak said, “He’s really playing well, but we’ll get him back. It’s just going to take a little time.”
This is bad news for Bennie Fowler. He is trying to make the team as the third wide receiver and had a decent start to gaining that position with three catches for 18 yards. Fowler was also seeing time on punt coverage, blocking a punt that was recovered for a touchdown. Denverpost.com stated that Fowler said, “I’m not really frustrated. I still have an opportunity. I just got to get healthy, and once I get healthy, get back out there, just pick up right where I left off.”
With Fowler out this opens the door for Cody Latimer. Latimer caught 7 passes for 82 yards against the Bears. This is his opportunity to shine. The coaches have seen what he can do in practice. Latimer must step up his game and perform. If he struggles, Jordan Norwood will have a chance at that position. If both of them perform poorly, Fowler could still earn that spot.
Fowler is hopeful to be back in time for the last preseason game on Thursday September 1st in Arizona. I still think Fowler is safe to make this team, even if Latimer and Norwood play well. He can still be the fourth or fifth receiver. His speed is tough to match on special teams’ coverage and in the passing game. The Broncos know what he can do on the field. He must get healthy and use the time off as motivation for the last preseason game.
How do you think the time-off will affect Fowler trying to make it as the third wide receiver?
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