After returning from an ACL injury that sidelined him for 14 games last season, Denver Broncos speedy receiver KJ Hamler was treated delicately by the team’s staff this summer.
Hamler was slowly eased back into practice as a precaution and he did not play in the team’s first two preseason games. Once he was cleared for full-contact, Hamler asked to play in the preseason finale and coach Nathaniel Hackett granted his request.
“I really wanted to get in,” Hamler said after a 23-13 win over the Minesota Vikings on Saturday. “Hackett didn’t really want to play me, but I was like, ‘Let me just get in, get a few reps and see if I am still myself.’ I just wanted to be back to myself.”
Hackett allowed Hamler to play 25 snaps and the receiver caught three passes for 18 yards. Hamler wanted to play even longer, but the coaching staff wanted to be cautious.
“We had to take him out, he wanted to keep going,” Hackett said. “He was having such a great time. I think it’s great for him to be able to catch the ball, take a couple pops. You want him to want to stay in those situations. For a guy that hasn’t played for as long as he had, it’s very encouraging, and he’s feeling a lot better.”
Even though it was just a preseason game, Saturday’s appearance was a big step for Hamler as he prepares for the regular season.
“I’m glad I got out there and got a lot of plays and reps in just to build up endurance in my legs,” Hamler said. “So I am glad I did all of that.”
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