Denver Broncos rookie running back Blake Watson has been in the news this week both positively and negatively.
Earlier this week, he was chosen with the No. 9 overall pick of the UFL Draft by the Memphis Showboats. Having played at Memphis in college, the UFL could be a nice Plan B for Watson if the NFL doesn't work out. But his hopes are still to make the 53-man roster in Denver.
The Broncos signed Watson following the NFL draft as an undrafted rookie and many draft analysts felt the Broncos had signed one of the best undrafted players in this year's crop. With the shaky running back situation in Denver and his ability to catch passes out of the backfield, Watson has a good chance to make the roster.
But that could have become a tougher hill to climb this week when Watson was placed on the active/non-football injury list for an injury that apparently occurred away from team facilities. the severity of the injury is obviously important, but any time that Watson misses will hurt his chances of making the team.
Blake Watson to start training camp on injured list
If you search deep enough, you can find comparisons between Watson and Alvin Kamara. While that may seem like a stretch to most, there is a belief that he can be that good.
Missed this yesterday but the #Broncos put rookie RB Blake Watson on the non-football injury list, per the wire.
— Parker Gabriel (@ParkerJGabriel) July 18, 2024
Can come off at any point during camp.
Watson was a beast in college, rushing for nearly 3,300 yards between Old Dominion and Memphis while also catching 113 passes and scoring 34 total touchdowns. There is no doubt that he could help this Broncos team, which has some serious questions at running back, but his injury status will be of chief concern.
Watson will be a key player to keep track of this summer.
