What we learned at Broncos camp today: An early look at how Denver will try and replace Tim Patrick

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Break the joggers out because Wednesday it was jog-through time down at Denver Broncos’ training camp.

Although pads weren’t popping, there were still takeaways from the Broncos’ seventh practice of camp.

Here’s what we learned.

Who won the day: Receiver depth

Only one week into camp and the Broncos’ depth at receiver is being tested… significantly.

Not only is Tim Patrick out for the season after tearing his ACL during Tuesday’s practice, but there were a few others from the group not practicing on Wednesday.

Kendall Hinton, believed to be Denver’s fifth receiver, was sidelined with what Hackett called “maintenance” for his knee. The fan-favorite was at practice, but did not participate.

Tyrie Cleveland, who is fighting for a roster spot, was sidelined for a second-straight day dealing with a throat injury.

That left a golden opportunity for players down the depth chart to get time with the first-team offense. But before that depth could be tested, there was a very welcome sight.

K.J. Hamler took another step in the right direction. Literally.

For the first time in camp, the 5-foot-9, 178-pound speedster was taking reps during team period. While it was just a jog-through, it was another sign that he’s continuing to progress after he was taken off the PUP on Monday.

But Hamler was missing something. The brace that he’s been donning on his knee was gone. Once Hamler hit his snap count, it was time to test the receiver depth and get a glimpse to how the Broncos will try and fill Patrick’s shoes.

“Now, here’s an opportunity from somebody to step up and especially in the red zone to have the opportunity to make some touchdowns, utilize some different people. That’s what we’re going to have to do,” Hackett said about the opportunity that exists with Patrick out. “It’ll be exciting to see who is going to step up. Somebody is going to have to.”

During Wednesday’s jog-through, Seth Williams got that shot.

Outside of Courtland Sutton, no other receiver on the team profiles as close to Patrick as Williams. Checking in at 6-foot-3, 211 pounds, Williams is Denver’s third biggest receiver, only behind those two. If Denver is looking for size, it’s no surprise why Williams got a crack at it on Wednesday.

But if Hackett and Russell Wilson really want size, they can turn to the even bigger tight end room, which Hackett said is in play.

“It’s exciting because there’s a lot of [tight ends]—not only are they big bodies, but those dudes can run and we saw it a couple of times already watching all those guys—now getting [Greg] Dulcich slowly working back in and watching Albert [Okwuegbunam] run and ‘[Eric Saubert] run, [Andrew] Beck run as well,” the head coach said, praising the room. “Whenever you have that kind of a fluid player that can be on the line and block, take advantage of matchups there and at the same time stretch the field vertically, you’re really excited.”

After practice, Albert O. added he can be a weapon for Wilson because of just how difficult of a matchup he presents.

“When you put me against a linebacker, I’m going to be faster than them. When you put me against a corner, I’m going to be bigger than them,” the third-year player said.

If Denver isn’t necessarily looking for size to replace Patrick, then they can turn to a camp standout in Montrell Washington.

“First and foremost, as a character and as a person, walking into the building, I mean, he’s awesome. He’s always got a huge smile on his face and he’s so happy to be here,” Hackett said with energy. “Then his work ethic. I mean the guy runs all day. When he catches a punt, he’s taking it to the house. He runs and runs. It’s great to see.”

“He’s just a sponge right now,” Hackett continued, not wanting to stop talking about the rookie.”

“There’s so much you want to throw as much as you can at him see what he can do. When you’re out at practice,” Hackett said, pausing as he noticed Washington was still on the field practicing despite practice ending 10 minutes before. “Watching him out on the field making plays is what’s exciting for a coach. Because you do all that stuff and give him so much and then all of a sudden he’s starting to make a couple of plays down the field here and there and that’s what gets you excited. His work ethic and his smile have been great.”

Play of the day

Coming up with a play of the day isn’t the easiest task during a jog-through, but Hamler came through.

Going up against air, and running at roughly 70 percent speed as instructed to by the coaches, Hamler jogged a go-route down the right sideline. Wilson place the ball over his head and Hamler smoothly brought it in with one hand. Hamler didn’t even touch the ball with his left hand.

Trending up

Greg Dulcich — The rookie tight end has been trending in the right direction during the second week of camp. On Wednesday, he was running routes and catching passes. No. 80 could be a potential weapon used to help replace Patrick this year.

Netane Muti — Once Muti stopped rotating with Quinn Meinerz at right guard earlier in the week, his opportunity to be a starter appeared to be in jeopardy. However, on Wednesday, Muti was rotating in with Dalton Risner at left guard. There’s still a shot for Muti to earn a starting role. After practice, Hackett said the reasoning for the rotation is “Everybody’s got to be ready to play everywhere.”

Injury report

• Kendall Hinton did not practice with a knee injury.

Existing injuries

• Both Tim Patrick and Damarea Crockett tore their ACL in Tuesday’s practice and are expected to miss the season.
• D.J. Jones was once again held out of Tuesday’s practice dealing with a back injury. It was the second-straight practice the defensive lineman missed.
• Tyrie Cleveland doesn’t have a timetable to return after being hit in the throat during Monday’s practice.
• Randy Gregory, Billy Turner and Tom Compton on the PUP.