Aug. 7 has not been a good day for Denver Broncos defensive end Matt Henningsen. Exactly one year after suffering a season-ending torn Achilles tendon, Henningsen tore his other Achilles tendon during a practice session.
The unfortunate diagnosis came hours later, with Henningsen all but certain to miss a second straight season after previously battling for a roster spot. His career is now at a crossroads, with the 27-year-old's future in the NFL hanging in the balance.
Henningsen was drafted by the Broncos in the sixth round of the 2022 overall draft, after a strong collegiate career at Wisconsin. He would go on to play all 17 games in both his rookie and sophomore seasons, earning a part-time role on defense and special teams.
Across his career, Henningsen has 40 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack. However, his production has been inconsistent, with him spending the entire 2024 season on the Broncos' practice squad.
Henningsen's injury has left fans and teammates reeling, with many taking to social media to express their support for the struggling defensive end. As the Broncos look to rebuild their roster, Henningsen's absence will be felt, particularly on special teams.
The Broncos' front office will now have to weigh the costs and benefits of keeping Henningsen on the roster, with the team's depth at defensive end already a concern. With the NFL season fast approaching, the team will need to find a solution to fill the void left by Henningsen's injury.
Later this week, the Broncos will meet with their medical staff to discuss a potential course of action for Henningsen's rehabilitation. The team's management will also need to consider the long-term implications of Henningsen's injury, with the player's future in the NFL hanging in the balance.
Henningsen's situation serves as a reminder of the risks involved in playing professional football. With the physical demands of the sport, injuries like Henningsen's are an unfortunate reality that teams must prepare for.
On Tuesday, the Broncos will face off against the Los Angeles Chargers in a preseason game, with Henningsen's absence already being felt. As the team looks to find a solution to their defensive end woes, fans will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds.
Source: Yahoo Sports