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Fingers were crossed at Dove Valley when wide receiver and return specialist Jordan Norwood was carted off the field with what appeared to be a leg injury. We now know that said injury is a torn ACL, ending Norwood's season.
Mike Klis of the Denver Post was the first to report the news, writing that Norwood was injured while attempting to make a sideline catch from quarterback Peyton Manning during a joint practice against the Houston Texans earlier today. Norwood was the front-runner to make Denver's final 53-man roster as the sixth receiver and return specialist.
Appreciate the love n support from friends fam fans and the like. ACL, ShmayCL. Ill be back in no time. Blessed, favored, n in my Gods hands
— Jordan Norwood (@jordanorwood) August 20, 2014
Norwood (5-11, 180 pounds) entered the NFL as a college free agent with the Cleveland Browns in 2009. Since then, Norwood has spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers before recently signing with the Broncos.
With Norwood now out of the picture, Isaiah Burse appears to be the top candidate to handle return duties for the remainder of preseason. Other options include Andre Caldwell, Wes Welker, Emmanuel Sanders, and Omar Bolden.
The Broncos have not yet commented on Norwood's season-ending injury.