Rahim Moore unlikely to return, door still open
Denver Broncos free safety Rahim Moore (26) returns an interception in the fourth quarter against the Washington Redskins at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos free safety Rahim Moore was a laughingstock last year for the infamous game-losing touchdown he gave up to the Baltimore Ravens, and he certainly deserved plenty of criticism for that play. But that was just one mistake that should be forgiven in the long run, especially since it’s been an aberration for Moore, who really broke out in the 2013 season. It’s unfortunate that some people still shortsightedly cover up their own lack of football knowledge by knocking Moore based on one play, because a season of very good deep coverage in 2013 has been lost on those guys.
When Moore went down with lateral compartment syndrome in Week 11, it was a devastating blow to the Broncos defense, because they lost one of the better coverage safeties in the game and one of their best and most important players on defense. He wasn’t the only big chip to fall on D for the Broncos (he wasn’t even the first, either, as it’s been a long season of big injuries on defense fro the Broncos), as Von Miller tore his ACL prior to the playoffs and star nickel corner Chris Harris Jr. tore his ACL in yesterday’s win. Harris’s injury is a massive blow to the Broncos with Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, and the New England Patriots on the horizon, but a return from Rahim Moore would definitely help them out.
Unfortunately, early indications for Moore’s return aren’t favorable. Fortunately, the door is still open for Moore playing in the AFC Championship game, so nobody should be ruling him out. FOX Sports’s Mike Garafolo reports that while Moore is “unlikely” to play against the Patriots, it is still possible that he plays since the Broncos won’t know his status “for sure” until a few days pass.