Former Penn State and current Denver Broncos wide receiver K.J. Hamler was added to the COVID-19 list on Tuesday.
Hamler missed the first padded practice yesterday and the reason was unclear, according to coaches.
In addition, the Broncos also signed cornerback Savion Smith to make up for the situation.
Hamler was drafted by the Broncos in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He, along with former Alabama receiver Jerry Jeudy, come into a loaded wide receiver room in Denver. In his rookie year, Hamler finished with 381 yards and three touchdowns.
Hamler was a top receiver with the Nittany Lions under James Franklin and lead by quarterback Sean Clifford, who many have their eyes on for this season. Hamler’s best season came in 2019, where he finished with 904 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
The Broncos had the 23rd ranked offense in the NFL under offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur. As pass heavy as they are, they also dealt with lingering quarterback injuries throughout the season, averaging just 215.7 passing yards per game.
The Broncos go into this season with a lot to prove under head coach Vic Fangio. The team has struggled to find their identity at quarterback. Their offense is loaded with talent. It’s all up to their quarterback play, and Shurmur saying this is the best version of Drew Lock he has seen, is promising.
Hamler currently sits as the backup to Jeudy. However, we very well could see a lot more action from him this season as he works to make that sophomore jump. Courtland Sutton is coming off a torn ACL during week two of the 2020 season and Jeudy had a promising rookie campaign.
If they can get their quarterback play together, the Broncos offense could be lethal in 2021.
Follow Nittany Lions Wire on Twitter and like us on Facebook for continuing Penn State coverage and discussion.
[vertical-gallery id=5138]
[listicle id=5249]
[lawrence-related id=4337,4169,3904,3811,3750,3706,3539]