Broncos' future looks bleak after the loss of two key players

Denver, Colorado - Adding insult to injury after a cringeworthy loss to the Indianapolis Colts, the Denver Broncos announced that left tackle Garett Bolles and cornerback Ronald Darby will miss the remainder of the NFL season.

Garett Bolles of the Denver Broncos is carted off the field during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Empower Field At Mile High Stadium.
Garett Bolles of the Denver Broncos is carted off the field during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Empower Field At Mile High Stadium.  © JUSTIN TAFOYA / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

In the span of four days and two games, the Broncos have witnessed running back Javonte Williams, Bolles, and Darby each suffer season-ending injuries.

With just over three minutes remaining in the 12-9 overtime loss to the Colts on Thursday, Bolles suffered a fractured lower right leg with little optimism about the short-term prognosis when he was examined by the team's medical staff at the stadium.

On Friday morning, he was underwent additional tests when it was confirmed that he was in immediate need of surgery to repair the fracture.

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Darby, who had ACL surgery in 2018 as a player for the Philadelphia Eagles, suffered his injury just before halftime.

To make matters worse, wide receiver Tim Patrick – who led the team in touchdown catches last year – suffered a season-ending knee injury during training camp.

Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett says he "can't control" injuries

Now, the Broncos (2-3) have suffered enormous team losses at the top of their depth chart over their first five games this season.

"Injuries are things that as a coach, I can't control,'' head coach Nathaniel Hackett said in a press conference following Thursday's loss. "They're long-term things and that's part of this game. As a coach I can't control it, I can only move forward. I can only go to the drawing board and grind, and try to find ways to put people in good positions and the new guys are going to have to go in there. We have to find a way to make them successful.''

Since the Broncos have some downtime before their next game on October 17 against the Los Angeles Chargers, Hackett said the offensive staff will discuss a replacement for Bolles.

Cover photo: JUSTIN TAFOYA / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

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