Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick on Monday tore his left Achilles tendon during the team's training camp practice, a source confirmed to The Post.
Head coach Sean Payton spoke with reporters immediately after, before the extent of the injury was known with certainty, but even then it was clear the club was concerned.
"We're evaluating his left Achilles. That's what we think the injury is," Payton said. "… It wasn't any contact. It was just kind of coming out of a cut."
The injury occurred during a 7-on-7 period. Patrick was in a bunch formation and started to work up the field on his route. When he planted his foot, it appeared he slipped and went to the turf with no contact made and no defenders in his area. He yelled in pain and threw his gloves to the ground in frustration as teammates gathered around and the Broncos training staff attended to his lower left leg.
Quarterback Russell Wilson and fellow wide receiver Courtland Sutton helped Patrick get to his feet and provided support until a cart arrived and transported Patrick off the field.
The 6-foot-4 receiver missed the entire 2022 season with a torn right ACL suffered Aug. 2 last year.
"I think the natural question right away for all of us was, is it the same leg? But we'll wait until we get an MRI," Payton said.
The loss is a sizable blow for the team and for Patrick himself.
"It's always difficult," Payton said. "You guys see it, especially a guy like that who's a leader, who's coming off pretty much an entire year of rehabilitation. It's difficult for his teammates and for all of us. Hopefully we get some good news, but it appears it's his left Achilles."
Teammates and coaches alike said losing Patrick during camp last year was one of the biggest blows in a season rife with injuries. His physical demeanor and leadership were missed, as was his ability to block in the run game.
"Oh my gosh," Payton said, considering all the work Patrick had put in to get back onto the field. "Especially with a player like him who's a veteran and who's so well respected. When I got hired here, he was one of the guys that I just saw every day because he was rehabbing last year's injury. That's what makes it more difficult."
Patrick was limited during the team's offseason program and was still in the process of working his way back to full speed. He was set to be on a modified workload during training camp, but said earlier this year that he didn't plan on being slowed down by his repaired ACL this fall.
"My whole mindset is just being a better version of myself," Patrick during the offseason program. "I see some of the stuff you guys say — a handicap year your first year (post-injury) and second year is your best year. I threw all that (stuff) out the window. My best is going to be this year."
Third-year cornerback Pat Surtain II said the team has to come together, but the toll of another injury to Patrick was apparent.
"It's a tough break for us as a team when you see something like that," Surtain said. "He's such a great player, a great leader. When you see him go down like that, it sucks."
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