Broncos lose promising safety for the season

After a healthy start to training camp, the Broncos lost their first player to injured reserve on Monday.

Second-year safety Jamal Carter is expected miss the entire season after tearing his hamstring during Saturday night’s preseason loss to the Vikings, according to a 9News report. He is still expected to seek a second opinion. The injury came late in the first half, as Carter brought down running back Mike Boone in the backfield for a four-yard loss.

Carter was on the Broncos’ roster bubble following the arrival of Su’a Cravens, who plays a similar role as an in-the-box safety. Carter built a clear lead over Dymonte Thomas as the team’s fifth safety, but the Broncos only kept four players at the position last year.

With the Broncos approaching a potential out in Darian Stewart’s contract after this season, they could have an open safety spot next season. Assuming the 24-year-old has recovered from his surgery, and no other roster moves are made, he would be a favorite for the job.

Carter made the Broncos’ 53-man roster last season as an undrafted rookie out of Miami and played in all 16 games, primarily as a special teamer.