Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (25) before the game against the Washington Redskins at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos slot corner Chris Harris Jr. is one of the best defensive backs in the league, and it’s a shame that people underrate him and don’t realize that he’s been a good player ever since coming into the league. In fact, it’s fair to call Harris an elite cornerback, because he shuts down just about everyone he faces. With Von Miller out with an ACL tear, Harris was the Broncos most important defensive player, but now the Broncos have lost both of their best players on defense to the same injury.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Jeff Legwold report that Harris tore his ACL in yesterday’s 24-17 win over the San Diego Chargers, and Harris will be placed on the injured reserve in order to clear roster space for another player, preferably a corner. The Broncos started the season with a deep and talented defense, but they have suffered a ridiculous number of significant injuries that have decimated their depth and talent. The ACL tears to Miller and Harris have been the worst two, but the likes of solid free safety Rahim Moore have also suffered severe injuries.
Harris’s absence will greatly hurt the Broncos this week in their quest to extract revenge upon the New England Patriots, who have beaten the Broncos in both of their meetings against a Peyton Manning-led Broncos team. Without Harris to cover slot receivers Danny Amendola and Julian Edelman, who are easily the Patriots best wideouts, the Broncos could be in some trouble. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Champ Bailey can be counted upon, but can Quentin Jammer? It’s a tough blow for sure, but the Broncos depth at CB can’t be counted out. Now, if only Moore can return and the safeties can put together a solid game.