The Denver Broncos are anxiously awaiting further updates after losing rookie playmaker Pat Bryant to a potentially serious injury during their disappointing Week 16 home loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Bryant, who has steadily increased his impact throughout the season, suffered the injury on a pass play that visibly shook his quarterback, Bo Nix. Following the incident, the Broncos appeared eager to just get the game over with.
### Pat Bryant Exits Broncos’ Loss to Jaguars
Bryant has emerged as a reliable WR2 opposite Courtland Sutton in Denver’s offense, and he was having a solid outing with five receptions for 42 yards. On his final play of the game, however, Bryant took a hard hit from Jaguars cornerback Monteric Brown. The rookie wide receiver stayed down on the field as the Broncos’ training staff quickly rushed out to attend to him.
“Scary situation involving Broncos WR Pat Bryant — a brutal, but clean hit over the middle of the field,” Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer posted on X shortly after the play on December 21. “Both teams on a knee. Bryant’s facemask unscrewed from his helmet. Hope for the best.”
Medical personnel swiftly brought out a cart, and players from both teams kneeled in concern. Meanwhile, Bo Nix slammed his helmet down in frustration as blunt commentary from the broadcast team reflected the seriousness of the moment.
“It’s one of the things you have to be careful about, right? And I’m sure that’s why Bo Nix is reacting like that,” said former NFL player Darryl Johnston. “This is a defense that plays eyes on the QB, and sees everything developing in front of them. He led his guy into that big hit right there, and he probably feels he’s a little bit responsible for Pat Bryant being on the ground.”
Bo Nix himself took accountability, telling The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel, “I feel responsible because I threw it.”
### Medical Update and Player Status
According to The Athletic’s James Palmer, medics placed Bryant “directly into an ambulance” and transported him to the hospital. Later, 9News’ Mike Klis provided a cautiously optimistic update: “Mostly good news as he has movement in hands and legs. Was taken to hospital for concussion-like symptoms, not neurological symptoms, which all in all is encouraging.”
Bryant is expected to remain in the hospital for further evaluation, with an official update likely to come late Sunday evening or early Monday morning. Broncos head coach Sean Payton typically addresses the media the day after games, so additional information may be forthcoming. However, Payton has been guarded about disclosing player health details, usually sharing only what appears on the official injury report.
Broncos right tackle Mike McGlinchey expressed his support, telling reporters he is wishing Bryant “nothing but the best.”
### Officials’ Ruling on the Big Hit
Initially, Jaguars cornerback Monteric Brown was flagged for the hit on Bryant, much to the frustration of Broncos fans. However, the officials later declined the penalty, a decision that received agreement from Darryl Johnston.
“At game speed, this looks like it should deserve that flag. But again, these officials are watching it at game speed,” Johnston explained. “The emphasis that this league has put on this type of hit, and how we’ve moved the target area, is very impressive. The respect that guys have for each other — because that is a big, violent hit.”
The Broncos now await further news on Bryant’s condition and hope for a positive recovery for their promising rookie wide receiver.
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