For the second time in as many days a top rookie is already out for the season. This time it’s Denver Broncos tight end Jeff Heuerman who tore his right ACL in a special teams practice and will miss the entire 2015 season.
While not as high-profile a loss as Jacksonville Jaguars outside linebacker Dante Fowler Jr., Heuerman was going to be huge part of the Broncos offense with Peyton Manning and new head coach Gary Kubiak.
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The Broncos were in a light practice with just jerseys and shorts when Heuerman went down in the open field after planting his left leg for a cut. He had his MRI Saturday night and it confirmed the early diagnosis from the team’s trainer.
“I feel terrible for Jeff and this is an unfortunate situation,” Kubiak said. “Jeff was going to be a big part of our team this year, and he’s still going to be a big part of our team and organization in the future. He’ll get well and be with us as part of this team throughout his rehabilitation.”
Heuerman wasn’t known as a pass-catcher in Ohio State’s offense, but projected to be a first-rate talent as a pro. Last year in Ohio State’s national championship season Heuerman caught 17 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns for the Buckeyes.
The 6-foot-5, 254-pound Heuerman, along with free agent signee Owen Daniels, were going to team up to try to replace the production of departed free agent tight end Julius Thomas. Heuerman’s NFL debut will not have to wait a year and he may miss the Peyton Manning era in Denver altogether.
