Broncos receiver Tim Patrick tears right ACL in practice, expected to miss season

Broncos receiver Tim Patrick sustained a torn right ACL during practice Tuesday morning.

It is presumed that Patrick will be out for the entire season.

Patrick had just made a leaping catch in 11-on-11 work over cornerback Essang Bassey. Patrick landed fine on the turf, but then went down after his first move.

“A guy like Tim, who is such an amazing leader and has done everything you’ve asked, it breaks your heart because you love him,” coach Nathaniel Hackett said.

Early in practice, running back Damarea Crockett also tore his ACL.

Patrick was lifted onto a cart and driven the short distance to the locker room door.

As soon as Patrick was injured, teammates gathered around him and Hackett halted practice for several minutes as the entire team looked on.

“It was sad because I watched the work he put in this offseason,” running back Melvin Gordon said. “He told he was working out three times a day so when he got to camp, he would be good. I know how much he was grinding and how much he wanted to be great and special.”

After Patrick was helped inside the Broncos’ facility, general manager George Paton and receiver KJ Hamler joined him.

“I just prayed with him,” Hamler said. “To see him go down is unexplainable. I (had a) flashback as soon as he fell.”