Jerry Jeudy Dec 18, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (10) runs after a reception in the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos are hoping new head coach Sean Payton can help quarterback Russell Wilson and their passing game find more success this season. But it looks like the Broncos will be without one of their key offensive weapons for their season-opening home game against the Las Vegas Raiders Sunday afternoon. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Sunday morning that Denver wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, who was listed as questionable for this game, is now not expected to play:

The Broncos selected Jeudy in the first round (15th overall) in the 2020 NFL Draft following his impressive college career with the Alabama Crimson Tide. He’s had three solid seasons with them so far despite their quarterbacking issues, including recording 67 receptions for 972 yards and six touchdowns (both tops on the team) in 15 games last season. That included 37 catches for 523 yards and three touchdowns in his final six games.

But Jeudy was carted off with a hamstring injury during a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams on Aug. 24, and was fully sidelined for two weeks before returning to practice Thursday. And now it sounds like he’s going to miss at least the first game of the regular season. We’ll see how the Broncos do without him when they take on the Raiders.

[Adam Schefter on Twitter]

About Andrew Bucholtz

Andrew Bucholtz has been covering sports media for Awful Announcing since 2012. He is also a staff writer for The Comeback. His previous work includes time at Yahoo! Sports Canada and Black Press.