Put on the pads and intensity increases in training camp. But as toughness goes up, sometimes players go down.

That was the case for the Denver Broncos on Tuesday at Dove Valley.

Update: Tim Patrick is out for the season due to his season-ending knee injury –

Update: Crockett is also done for the year per his Twitter:

First, it was crucial wide receiver Tim Patrick who was injured. Then, it was backup running back Damarea Crockett, each of whom have suffered apparent knee injuries. And, both offensive players got MRIs after their injuries, which are expected to be fairly serious, sadly.

Sadly for Patrick, who signed a 3-year deal this off-season and also didn’t drop a single pass in 2021. And, it was also a tough injury for third-string back Crockett, who got a few runs on offense last year but also contributes to special teams.

For Patrick, the 6’4” receiver went up to catch a pass, hauled it in and seemed to injure the knee immediately as he landed. From our Zach Segars, who was at camp today (and has been to every practice):

Patrick’s been key on offense the last two years, especially in the red zone, with 6 TDs in 2021 and another 5 TDs last year. Even with subpar quarterback play from Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater.

While he’s technically the “No. 3” wideout, Patrick is the Z receiver to Courtland Sutton as the X and Jerry Jeudy in the slot as the Y.

Luckily, the Broncos activated KJ Hamler off of the PUP list yesterday and he will certainly help the offense, but not necessarily fill Patrick’s shoes. Hamler is a speedster whereas Patrick is the huge target with sticky hands and is key on third downs.

So, if Patrick is indeed out for the season, the Broncos will likely look to replace him. There are also a ton of players on the roster that can hopefully step up.

As Cody Roark said in his camp recap today: “After Patrick left practice, the offense continued to get their receivers involved with multiple reps featuring Trey Quinn, Kendall Hinton, Brandon Johnson, Travis Fulgham, and rookie standout Montrell Washington.”

And as Cody was there at practice, he also got that quote from head coach Nathaniel Hackett.

“Whenever you have these things happen, it’s about supporting the man because we are about the entire team,” Hackett said following Tuesday’s practice. “But at the same time, now flipping it out and going ‘hey, now everybody’s got to pick it up and somebody’s got to show up.”

Obviously, with Russell Wilson being the blockbuster trade acquisition this off-season, the Broncos need as many healthy wideouts as possible.

They will look to beat Wilson’s former team, the Seahawks in Seattle in Week 1 on Monday Night Football.