Fansided

Broncos TE Jeff Heuerman tears ACL, likely out for season

By Matt Graber

Nov 8, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Jeff Heuerman (5) is tackled by Michigan State Spartans linebacker Darien Harris (45) during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Jeff Heuerman (5) is tackled by Michigan State Spartans linebacker Darien Harris (45) during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Denver Broncos rookie tight end became the second rookie to suffer a torn ACL in rookie minicamp, which will most likely end his season

The injuries just keep piling up. The Denver Broncos have confirmed that rookie tight end Jeff Heuerman suffered a torn ACL during afternoon practice at the Broncos’ rookie camp, and the early prognosis is that Heuerman will miss the 2015 season. The injury apparently occurred during a special-teams play. Heuerman was running full speed down the middle of the field when he made a cut and his knee gave out.

Heuerman was then carted off the field, where a subsequent examination confirmed the severity of the injury. Heuerman’s injury comes a day after Jacksonville Jaguars rookie defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. suffered the same injury in rookie minicamp, ending his season as well.

Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak expressed his sympathy while assuring that Heuerman will remain in the team’s future plans.

“I feel terrible for Jeff and this is a very unfortunate situation,” Kubiak said. “Jeff was going to be a big part of our team this year, and he’s still going to be a big part of our team and organization in the future. He’ll get well and be with us as part of this team throughout his rehabilitation.”

With the departure of Julius Thomas leaving a hole at the tight end position, the Broncos were counting on Heuerman to play a big role from the get-go. The team is now left with the veteran trio of Virgil Green, Owen Daniels and James Casey.

“He’s a good looking player and I like his work habits,” Kubiak revealed. “He’s very smart. He’s played in a big program, so nothing is too big of a stage for him. Walking around this locker room, being around people, watching him prepare for practice, you can tell. He’s got a bright future.”

Heuerman, a third round pick out if Ohio State, played four seasons for the national champion Buckeyes. He finished his senior season with 17 catches, 207 yards, and two touchdowns, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors. His most productive season came as a junior, where he hauled in 26 catches for 446 yards and four touchdowns. Despite his modest production, Heuerman is big (6’6″, 254) and athletic with solid straight line speed and nice hands. He projects as a vertical pass catcher who should develop into a solid weapon for quarterback Peyton Manning.

More from Denver Broncos

Home/Denver Broncos