CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- Carlos Henderson failed to appear at the walk through Saturday afternoon, prompting concern. It proved well-placed. The rookie slot receiver missed the morning practice with an injured thumb that an exam determined will require surgery, according to multiple NFL sources.
He will be sidelined indefinitely.
The Broncos continue to experience a rash of injuries. Outside linebackers Shane Ray (torn cartilage in left wrist) and Shaquil Barrett (hip), and running back Devontae Booker (wrist) remain out until roughly the third week of the season. Defensive end Billy Winn will not play this year after tearing his ACL, and inside brute Derek Wolfe is expected to miss multiple weeks in camp after spraining his right ankle on Saturday.
It represents tough luck for Henderson who has struggled to gain traction. A third-round pick from Louisiana Tech, Henderson fumbled a pair of kickoffs in the preseason opener against the Bears. Now we know, at least in part, why.
Henderson looked good in OTAs but has not kept his momentum going during camp.
His absence opens up a potential path to the roster for Kalif Raymond. His chances appeared to shrink with the emergence of rookie punt returner Isaiah McKenzie. However, Raymond has enjoyed a terrific camp, opening eyes with his performance.
