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When the Broncos introduce their starters for tonight’s game against the San Francisco 49ers, Emmanuel Sanders will come onto the field with the rest of the first team offense.
The 32-year old receiver was placed on injured reserve after tearing his Achilles in December of last season. The fact that he’s ready to play a mere 8 months after the injury is nothing less than remarkable.
Glory to God.. I made it thru my storm and test now tonight I take the field with my teammates again. I’m back stronger and better. Thank you @uchealth for doing such an amazing job on my surgeries. You guys are the best in the world in my opinion. #Letsgo pic.twitter.com/D7ZDqtGGs8
— Emmanuel Sanders (@ESanders_10) August 19, 2019
It’s fair to suggest that no injury had as big an impact on the Broncos’ 2018 as Sanders. Prior to his injury, Denver was a dark horse contender for the playoffs after stringing off three consecutive victories to get to .500 with four games to go.
After his injury, the Broncos offense didn’t score more than 14 points in any game and the team finished the year 6-10.
In 2019, he’ll once more step into the number one role as well as the veteran leader of a young receiver room. Sanders is the one of only two receiver on the Broncos roster with more than 3 years of experience at the NFL level.
The news that he’s cleared to play in live action is the final step Broncos Country has been waiting for. It’s a sign he’s ready to let it fly after weeks of practice reps where he’s flashed his previous ability to separate and make catches.
Emmanuel Sanders is on fire today. He’s working all over the field, making big plays in the middle of the field and on the sideline. He has a TD catch from Joe Flacco and Drew Lock.
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensBSN) August 13, 2019
It’s been a week since Vic Fangio said Emmanuel Sanders looks fully healthy, so it’ll be exciting to see what he can do tonight:
“I thought he would make it back quicker than most and he has. He looks fine. I’ve asked the guys that have been here in the past to compare him to what he’s been in the past because I don’t have a past for him, and they don’t see any difference right now.”