Denver Broncos News: WR Emmanuel Sanders Tears Achilles At Practice, Season Over

The Denver Broncos (6-6), who suddenly look very much alive for a playoff berth in the competitive AFC, suffered a debilitating blow at practice Wednesday. Star wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders reportedly tore his Achilles on a routine, non-contact play on the practice field, according to Broncos beat reporter Mike Klis.

Klis, who witnessed the play first-hand, said Sanders went to the ground after making a cut in practice. He was not covered by a defensive back on the play. A torn Achilles is a season-ending injury.

Sanders has 71 catches for 868 yards and four touchdowns this season before his injury. He was on track for his fourth 1,000-yard receiving season in five years with the Broncos.

If Sanders is indeed out for the year, it would be at least the fourth injury suffered by an important Broncos player in the past week. Cornerback Chris Harris Jr. suffered a broken fibula and will likely miss extended time. Other defensive contributors in Josey Jewell and Derek Wolfe left Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals with injuries, too.

The Broncos will likely continue relying on reigning AFC Offensive Player of the Week Phillip Lindsay and rookie wide receiver Courtland Sutton to make the offense move in the coming weeks. The Broncos have an easy schedule and could get an AFC playoff berth if they win out.