NFL Rookie Watch: Week 2 slew of injuries rattle the depth charts

Week 2 Injuries: Courtland Sutton, Phillip Lindsay & Drew Lock

The young, explosive offense with assets to rival that of Kansas City. A more difficult proposition that was set to be accomplished by Elway & company. Drew Lock promised to be the quarterback of the future through late 2019 and Denver only continued to surround him with weapons such as refined rookie route-runner Jerry Jeudy and Chargers flame-out Melvin Gordon.

Sadly, week two has now altered Vic Fangio’s vision of a young-star offense led by the Missouri gunslinger. Prototype receiver Courtland Sutton and workhorse running back Phillip Lindsay will be out for the near future with respective injuries forcing the weight of the offense onto the shoulders of a cast of newcomers.

Now with veteran Jeff Driskel under center, rookies Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler will be the primary receivers in the Mile High City. A modern blend of route-running savvy and raw speed will provide Denver with utility between each player and can build from these two young weapons.

Additionally, former Wisconsin standout Melvin Gordon will get his second chance with new colors. The Denver offense will need support from their running game to compete in the AFC West without Lindsay, and Gordon has his chance to win the big contract he has vied for.

Miami Dolphins

Although rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has yet to hit the field for the Miami Dolphins, rookie offensive tackle Austin Jackson has managed to impress in his blindside protection of veteran signal-caller Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Jackson was not selected among the top flight of rookie tackles in the 2020 NFL draft alongside Mekhi Becton, Andrew Thomas, Tristan Wirfs or Jedrick Wills Jr, but showed the high-ceiling potential many saw while he played at USC.

At 6-foot 5, 317 pounds, Jackson has an imposing physical frame but had concerns around his mobility in and out of pass protection. In his week two showcase against the Buffalo Bills, Jackson repeatedly made himself a force in the run-game with physical downhill blocks to seal the right edge as well as clear running lanes on the second level.

More importantly for Jackson was his performance in pass protection on the blindside. Miami has had issues with their offensive tackles since trading Ja’Waun James to the Houston Texans.

Jackson was highly touted as a big-character pick after taking time away from playing football at USC to donate bone marrow to his sister. With his dramatic physical tools, Jackson will perfectly complement the new philosophy coming with Brian Flores to Miami.