The Denver Broncos have been dealt a serious setback with the news that linebacker Alex Singleton has suffered an ACL tear, sidelining him for the rest of the season. Head coach Sean Payton announced that Singleton will undergo surgery in two weeks, following his injury during the Week 3 victory against Tampa Bay.
Singleton, who has been a key player for the Broncos, has led the team in tackles and has been integral to their inside linebacker group since the departure of Josey Jewell. At 31, Singleton was re-signed in 2023 and had been enjoying a productive run, contributing significantly to the team’s defensive improvements.
During his time with the Broncos, Singleton has consistently delivered impressive performances, including two consecutive seasons with over 160 tackles, while also remaining healthy throughout. Unfortunately, his injury occurred during a game in which he played two-thirds of the snaps, prompting a reassessment of the team’s defensive strategy.
In response to this loss, the Broncos have added veterans Kwon Alexander and Zach Cunningham to their practice squad, both of whom could be activated soon to help bolster the depleted linebacker corps. This unit is already stretched thin after losing Jewell to another team and Jonas Griffith to a season-ending injury, along with hybrid linebacker Drew Sanders who is recovering from an Achilles tear.
Although Sanders may return later in the season, the Broncos’ depth at linebacker is now a pressing concern, especially with Cody Barton being the only experienced option left. Special-teamer Justin Strnad and former undrafted free agent Kristian Welch are currently filling out the roster.
Singleton is under a three-year, $18 million contract and was initially brought in to fit into Ejiro Evero’s defensive scheme. Despite having a strong track record, he was not prioritized by the Philadelphia Eagles after a solid season, which led to his acquisition by the Broncos.
His contract reflects his significant impact on the field, especially after a standout 177-tackle season that established him as the team’s highest-paid off-ball linebacker. Singleton also made notable contributions with two sacks and several tackles for loss over the past two years.
This injury leaves the Broncos facing considerable challenges, especially as they currently rank sixth in scoring defense and third in yardage allowed. The team will need to adapt quickly as they prepare for 14 games without Singleton, a player who has been vital to their recent defensive success.