Denver Broncos may feature TE Jeff Heuerman in Week 3
Sep 22, 2016, 6:09 PM | Updated: Sep 23, 2016, 12:48 pm
UPDATE: Virgil Green has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Denver Broncos have some injury situations that could change the construct of their team in Week 3. They travel for their first road game of the year to face a tough Cincinnati Bengals defense on Sunday. Arguably the most impactful injury is the calf injury suffered by starting tight end Virgil Green.
Green’s status for this week’s game against Cincinnati is up in the air, though Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak provided a bit of an update on Green after practice on Wednesday.
“I think it’s a day-to-day process, so we’ll see,” Kubiak said. “Obviously Jeff is back full-time, so that’s a good thing.”
Without Green, the Broncos could turn to Heuerman to be their starter and primary target at the tight end position. A second-year pro from Ohio State, Heuerman missed all of his rookie season in 2015 due to a knee injury he suffered in rookie minicamp that spring. Entering his second season, expectations were high for Heuerman as he was to compete with Green for the starting job.
Instead, Heuerman sustained another injury that kept him out of action for most of training camp. This time, a hamstring injury was the problem, a nagging injury kept him out of action in the first two games of the regular season.
But despite the injuries, Kubiak believes in the second-year pro.
“I’m confident in Jeff. He’s a good kid. He works hard and he’s very bright. He knows what he’s doing,” Kubiak said. “This happens sometimes to young players. It seems like every time they take a step forward, they take two back. I know it’s been tough on him, but I’ve seen guys jump out of it and go. I’m ready for Jeff to do that.
“I think the whole team is excited for him to come be a part of us. He’s been working hard and hopefully we’re good and healthy this week and ready to go.”
A third-round pick in the 2015 NFL draft, Heuerman was seen as a move tight end because of his speed. He can create mismatches on the field because he’s too fast for linebackers to keep up with down the seam.
Heuerman is also too big for most safeties to cover on underneath routes. He hasn’t really flashed on film since 2013, but the Broncos saw something in him they want to further harvest in the NFL.
He said Tuesday that he’s excited to get out there and play this week.
“Yes, it’s about time,” Heuerman said. “I do need to get in there and make some plays and help this team win on the road this weekend. I’m excited to get out there with the guys, run around and get back to playing.”
Green may not play for the Broncos in this game, so it’s time for Heuerman to step his game up.
