The Denver Broncos suffered a setback at the linebacker position with the news that second-year linebacker Drew Sanders tore his Achilles tendon during a mid-April workout with the team. This injury is expected to sideline him for most, if not all, of the 2024 season. Despite this unfortunate news, Sanders can take solace in the fact that Achilles tendon recoveries have become faster in recent years, as demonstrated by New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ quick return after tearing his Achilles in the 2023 season.
In Sanders’ absence, rookie pass-rusher Jonah Elliss has the opportunity to step up and fill the void left by the injured linebacker. Elliss will have the chance to develop his skills during the Broncos’ end-of-May workouts and training camp. The team will support him as he aims to make an impact later in the season.
Elliss will have some great mentors to learn from in established linebackers Nik Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper, and Baron Browning. Bonitto, in particular, had an impressive 2023 season after the Broncos traded Randy Gregory, finishing with eight sacks, 30 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 20 quarterback hits
