It’s "not about football" anymore for Carlos Henderson

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Five days after it was reported that Carlos Henderson would start training camp on the Reserve/Did Not Report list, the second-year player is still absent three days into camp.

In a world where information is fast flowing, the details regarding Henderson’s family and/or personal matter have remained silent.

The newest, and most prominent, update regarding Henderson’s status and well-being was delivered by head coach Vance Joseph following Monday’s practice.

“We’ve had some conversations about other things than football,” Joseph said, confirming he’s talked to the 23-year-old. “He’s not ready for football right now, so we’re not talking about football a lot. We’re doing a good job as a team of checking on him on a daily basis.”

On Sunday, Emmanuel Sanders had reached out to Henderson, but had not heard back from the second-year player.

“I texted him and told him this is bigger than football; I just want to talk to him about life. I don’t care if he plays another down of football, I just want to make sure he’s alright,” Sanders said, opening up about his teammate. “But that’s one of those situations that I’ll reach out to him, give him some time, and I’ll reach out to him and give him some guidance. However I can help.”

According to Joseph, a “lot of guys have called Carlos,” including his new receivers coach Zach Azzanni and his teammates, including Sanders and Demaryius Thomas.

“He’s having some family issues he’s working through, and it’s really his timeline,” Joseph elaborated. “He can return any time he gets ready to return. It’s on him, but his guys are supporting him, the coaches are supporting him—so we’re looking forward to having him back.”

When asked if he knew what Henderson’s situation was, Sanders said, “I don’t know.”

Sanders said he didn’t know what Henderson’s exact situation was. However, he witnessed a similar situation with Cole Beasley — a teammate of his at SMU.

“[Beasley] went out to Dallas and he said he didn’t want to play. Then he came back a couple of weeks later, and you know the story,” Sanders stated.

Beasley has now racked up six NFL seasons averaging over 430 receiving yards per year.

“[Henderson] just has to figure it out. Whatever it is,” Sanders said. “If it’s football, whatever, he’s got to figure it out, and he’s got to find his happiness, and I hope he finds it.”

For now, football is the last concern for Henderson from the Broncos’ perspective. They just want to make sure their fellow teammate and player makes it through his situation.

“He’s not ready for football, it’s as simple as that,” Joseph stated on Monday. “When he’s ready, hopefully he comes back to us. Right now, he’s not ready to come back.”