The Denver Broncos receiving corps took a hit in the loss to the New York Giants. Veteran Emmanuel Sanders and rookie Isaiah McKenzie both sustained sprained ankles on passing plays that resulted in their exit from the game. Both players have also been ruled out against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Sanders’ loss is more significant. He is currently second on the team in targets and receptions, with 41 and 25 respectively. He is averaging 10.6 yards per reception and has accumulated 266 total yards this season. Sanders is also tied for the team lead in receiving touchdowns, with two.
McKenzie’s loss will be felt mainly in special teams, where he specialized as the team’s punt returner. Offensively, McKenzie has only one reception for zero yards.
Sanders’ role will be filled by Bennie Fowler. Fowler is currently third on the team in targets and receptions, far behind Sanders and top receiver Demaryius Thomas, with 24 targets and 13 catches. Fowler does, however, also have two receiving touchdowns, and a slightly better yards per catch average than Sanders, at 10.8 yards per catch.
“He’s a receiver and he’s the next guy up, so he’s the number two,” said head coach Vance Joseph. Joseph views Fowler as reliable enough to be interchangeable with his top two receivers. “He was the number two last week, from time-to-time. He’s a one; you can say that also.”
Fowler has been on the field for 204 of the offensive snaps, or 56.51 percent of the time. Behind him will be Jordan Taylor, who has seen limited action so far this season. Despite that, quarterback Trevor Siemian believes Taylor is ready to step up and fill in.
“He goes to work, and last year when he got his opportunity, he stepped up and made plays,” Siemian said in a press conference on Wednesday. “This year, it won’t be any different. I have a lot of confidence in him. He’s an easy guy to throw to, and I’ve been throwing to him since I’ve been here. He’s going to be just fine.”
Newly signed Hunter Sharp will be an option, as well. Sharp was signed to the active roster from the practice squad on Wednesday, and will be making his NFL regular season debut on Sunday as the punt returner, but Joseph also refers to Sharp as a great route runner with great ball skills. Sharp was signed to the Broncos’ practice squad during week 17 of the 2016 NFL season, and once again at the start of this season.
The Broncos retooled receiving corps hopes to make up for the loss of Sanders and McKenzie when the Broncos take on the Chargers in Los Angeles on Sunday at 2:25 p.m.
