The Broncos lose Austin Fort for the season due to knee injury
Aug 9, 2019, 6:46 AM
It looked bad when it happened. As Austin Fort was hauling in a 29-yard reception from Drew Lock in the second half of the Broncos preseason game against the Seahawks, his leg appeared to give out. The tight end immediately crumbled to the ground and grabbed his knee.
Fort had to be carted off the field in Seattle, leaving many to speculate that he suffered a significant knee injury. On Friday morning, that bad news was confirmed.
Broncos’ undrafted free agent TE Austin Fort, who was challenging for a roster spot and playing time, tore his ACL last night in Seattle and is out for the season, per source. The worst part of the preseason.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 9, 2019
The news is disappointing for Fort, as the converted quarterback was having a very good training camp. In almost every practice, he was making plays.
In addition, it’s a concern for the Broncos, as the team continues to be snake bit at the tight end position.
Jake Butt is struggling to return from a knee injury of his own. Bug Howard has missed time after hurting his ankle. And Troy Fumagalli has been hobbled by a groin issue.
This all comes on the heels of multiple seasons where tight ends couldn’t stay healthy. Heck, Jeff Heuerman was lost to a torn ACL the first time he ever stepped onto the practice field as a Bronco.
A once-crowded tight ends room continues to thin out, but not due to a lack of talent. Denver just can’t seem to keep players at that position healthy, with Austin Fort being the latest casualty.
