The Denver Broncos are rolling, and the latest news coming out of practice should help them keep it that way against the Jacksonville Jaguars. After ending last week with some injury concerns, specifically with Pat Bryant, the Broncos began Week 16 positively.
Bryant, viewed as a reach for the Broncos with the 74th overall pick, has taken on a larger-than-expected role for the Broncos this season, particularly in recent weeks.
As such, the uncertainty around Bryant’s status loomed large.
Pat Bryant Participates in Broncos Practice
GettyPat Bryant #13 of the Denver Broncos celebrates against the Arizona Cardinals.
Bryant’s return to the practice field drew plenty of attention as part of a slew of good injury news for the Broncos, who also had running back RJ Harvey and linebacker Karene Reid present and participating in the first session of the week.
Bryant first popped up with the issue in Week 14, downgrading to limited sessions over the final two days, but still playing against the Las Vegas Raiders.
He did not participate at all in Week 15, but Broncos head coach Sean Payton was unconcerned.
“It’s hard to describe,” Payton told reporters on December 12. “It’s attached to the hamstring. We feel like, if this was a playoff game, … he’d be able to go. And yet, in order to get him back to full strength, we feel like we’ve done the right thing this week.”
The Broncos have seen a surge from Bryant, who usurped teammate Troy Franklin in the WR pecking order behind Courtland Sutton.
He has 17 receptions for 259 yards and 1 touchdown in his last six games.
Bryant, 23, had a 5-46-0 line over the first seven outings with the Broncos and in the NFL. Similarly, Bryant’s snap share has been above 50% in seven of his last nine outings after he failed to reach the 34% over his first four, per Pro Football Reference.
Despite his slow start, Bryant ranks 11th in targets, is tied for the same slot in receptions, and is seventh in receiving yards among receivers in his draft class, per Pro Football Focus.
He is eighth in snaps, but also lags in TDs, tied with eight other players for the sixth-most.
Pat Bryant Confident in Skill Set
GettyPat Bryant #13 of the Denver Broncos runs after a catch against the Washington Commanders.
Bryant, whom Payton notably compared to former New Orleans Saints star Michael Thomas, spoke candidly about why he believed the coaches were trusting him more.
“I’m really just showing I’m an all-around receiver,” Bryant told reporters in October. “I can do the dirty work, I can go out there and catch the ball, look pretty. This, that, and the third. I basically can do just about anything. So really just, not only trusting the quarterback, trusting the coaches as well, and allowing them to put me in a position to make great plays.”
Fittingly, Bryant was as confident in his skill set after learning of Payton’s compliments.
“Just hearing him make those comparisons, Mike Thomas, great player. Did a lot of great things in the league, and just the success that he had in that offense, and my ability to play one of those similar roles, very, very, special,” Bryant said on “Action Sports Jax” in May.
“At the end of the day, it’s up to me. It’s always going to be pressure. So, I kind of take the pressure and just add it, fuel to the fire. Just keep going and keep working.”
Notably, the Jaguars are “Duval Pat” Bryant’s hometown team.
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