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One of Drew Lock’s biggest plays last night came with a devastating cost, as Austin Fort crumpled to the dirt after hauling in a long pass. It was clear then that his knee gave way on the reception.
Hey @ProFootballDoc any thoughts on Austin Fort here. #Broncos tight end has had a nice camp, hope this isn't serious. pic.twitter.com/mBBy90uuHf
— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) August 9, 2019
Fort has been a pleasant surprise since OTAs, flashing good body control and ball skills. The hope was that he could carve out a niche in Rich Scangarello’s offense that looks like it will lean on the tight end position.
Now ESPN’s Adam Schefter has reported Austin Fort tore his ACL and his season is over.
Broncos’ undrafted free agent TE Austin Fort, who was challenging for a roster spot and playing time, tore his ACL last night in Seattle and is out for the season, per source. The worst part of the preseason.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 9, 2019
As the Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala reported on Twitter, Fort’s injury leaves the Broncos perilously thin at tight end. I would fully expect the front office to bring in someone else to compete for time behind Jeff Heuerman and Noah Fant.
The Broncos now have only three healthy tight ends: Noah Fant, Troy Fumagalli and Moral Stephens.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 9, 2019
Would imagine the Broncos scour the list of free agent tight ends sooner rather than later.