Broncos WR Tim Patrick suffers torn ACL, out for 2022 NFL season

Pockets of Denver Broncos fans were likely fearing the worst when they learned earlier on Tuesday that wide receiver Tim Patrick was carted off the field after he went down with an apparent leg injury. 

ESPN's Jeff Legwold and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and James Palmer have since reported that an MRI has confirmed Patrick suffered a torn ACL in his right knee. As a result, the 28-year-old will miss the entire 2022 season. 

Patrick tore his ACL Tuesday after he caught a pass during team drills. His leg buckled as he turned to run, and he subsequently fell to the turf.  

Last November, Patrick put pen to paper on a three-year contract extension that Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported was worth up to $34.5 million with $18.5 million guaranteed. As noted by ESPN stats, Patrick went on to finish the 2021 campaign third on the team with 53 receptions, second with 734 receiving yards and first with five touchdown grabs. He recorded those numbers before Denver landed superstar quarterback Russell Wilson via a blockbuster offseason trade with the Seattle Seahawks. 

"It hurts," fellow Denver receiver Courtland Sutton said of Patrick's injury after practice but before the update. "To see a guy who works his butt off all offseason, his preparation is second to none ... [We're] praying for the best ... as we sit and wait.''