Jerry Jeudy could miss significant time with hamstring injury

The Denver Broncos could be without one of their best offensive weapons for an extended period of time. Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy is expected to miss multiple weeks following a hamstring injury he suffered in Thursday’s practice.

Jeudy was carted off the field after the injury on Thursday. While head coach Sean Payton initially hoped the injury was minor, it will actually keep the receiver out for quite a bit.

Per ESPN’s Ian Rapoport, the injury puts Jeudy’s status for Week 1 in jeopardy. However, there does seem to be optimism that he won’t be out long term — a good sign for the Broncos.

#Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy is expected to miss several weeks with a moderate hamstring injury suffered today in practice, per me and @TomPelissero.

That puts Jeudy’s status in question for Week 1. But there’s optimism it’s nothing long term for one of Denver’s top weapons. pic.twitter.com/KNv0QAUDOR

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 24, 2023

Denver opens the regular season on Sunday, Sept. 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders at Mile High Stadium. The Broncos still have one preseason game remaining, an Aug. 26 meeting with the Los Angeles Rams.

Jeudy played in each of Denver’s first two preseason games. He caught two passes for 40 yards and a touchdowns in an 18-17 loss to the Cardinals. The receiver had one reception for just five yards in a 21-20 defeat to the 49ers.

Jeudy is a pivotal piece of Denver’s passing attack entering the 2023 season. Last year, the former Alabama star totaled 972 yards and six touchdowns on 67 catches. In his three seasons in the NFL, Jeudy has caught 157 passes for 2,295 yards and nine touchdowns.

Does Russell Wilson feel pressure after Jerry Jeudy injury?

Earlier this week, quarterback Russell Wilson said he didn’t feel much pressure entering his second season with the Broncos. Did that change after Jeudy’s injury?

We don’t know that for sure, but the fact that he doesn’t feel any added weight after a disastrous 2022 campaign is interesting.

“Do I feel the pressure? No. I don’t run from it. I look forward to it. I run to it, if anything,” Wilson said Wednesday, via Pro Football Talk. “We as a team, we’re all in this together. We’re all searching for one thing and that’s to get better every day. I’m not looking too far ahead. All the guys are trying to learn as much as we can from today’s practice and use that experience.

“Pressure is a privilege. For me personally, this will be my 12 year, every time I strap on my pads, I have a heart of gratitude and that frees my mind… I’m grateful. I’m not worried about critics just being the best version of me today.”

Payton’s offensive mind probably helps Wilson feel a little more relaxed heading into the season.