Broncos’ $60M Gamble on Dre Greenlaw Hits Pause
The Denver Broncos made a bold move this offseason, signing linebacker Dre Greenlaw with hopes of fortifying their defense and restoring him to his previous elite form. However, the season has not unfolded as anticipated.
Injury Setback
Greenlaw’s campaign was derailed before it even began. He missed the opening two games of the season due to a quadriceps injury, a condition that had plagued him throughout the offseason. Just before the Broncos were set to face off in Week 3, the team placed him on injured reserve, effectively sidelining him for a minimum of four games.
This decision means Greenlaw won’t be eligible to return until Week 7, when the Broncos are scheduled to take on the New York Giants. The question now looms: will he be ready to activate when that time comes?
Uncertain Return Timeline
As of now, uncertainty hangs over Greenlaw’s potential return. Last Tuesday, head coach Sean Payton shared insights regarding the linebacker’s recovery timeline. Initially, the team had hoped Greenlaw would only need about four weeks before returning to action. This optimism was the rationale behind keeping him off injured reserve at the season’s outset.
However, as the situation evolved, it became clear that Greenlaw would require more time to heal.
“We felt like the last thing we wanted to do is have him come out too early and re-injure it,” Payton explained. “Jordan and I sat down with him, spent some time discussing it, and there is plenty of season left. In hindsight, we could have said it and done it sooner. But, at that time, the information was ‘Hey, this is four weeks away,’ and it’s a bit longer.”
Strategic Considerations
Given the Broncos’ cautious approach, it’s evident they are playing a long game with Greenlaw, who stands as the team’s second-most expensive free-agent signing this offseason. The decision to prioritize his health over immediate contributions reflects a broader strategy to ensure that when he does return, he is fully ready to make an impact on the field.
With the season still young, the Broncos are holding their breath for a swift recovery. Greenlaw’s presence could be pivotal in turning around their defensive fortunes, provided he can overcome this setback and return to the gridiron at full strength. As the Broncos navigate this challenging period, all eyes will be on the linebacker’s progress in the coming weeks.
