Jaylen Waddle and Riley Moss Exit Broncos Game With Concussions

Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and cornerback Riley Moss both exited Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers with concussions, according to the Denver Post.

The injuries occurred during a contest that saw the Broncos’ secondary depleted at a critical moment. Waddle sustained a heavy hit from a Panthers cornerback during the second quarter. At the time of the injury, the Broncos held a 10-0 lead, and Waddle had recorded one catch for 22 yards.

Moss exited the game during a second-quarter tackle. While bringing down Panthers running back Trevor Etienne, the cornerback took a blow to the head and neck area. He remained on the field for several minutes before walking to the locker room without a limp, the Denver Post reported.

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Coach Sean Payton offered a measure of relief following the game, stating he does not believe the team suffered any serious injuries during the contest. This assessment suggests a positive outlook for both Waddle and Moss as they begin their recovery processes.

The loss of Moss further weakens a defensive unit that has struggled with availability. Denver recently brought back All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain to strengthen a previously wounded secondary, but the depth remains thin.

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In addition to Moss, the team is already without reserve cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine, who was ruled out for Sunday’s game with an ankle injury. Jahdae Barron stepped in to replace Moss following his injury.

Moss has faced his own physical challenges this season. He missed a game and a half due to a rib injury sustained in Week 4 against the San Francisco 49ers. While he returned for the Week 6 game against the Seahawks, he saw limited playing time.

The Broncos are also managing the absence of reserve defensive tackle Eyioma Uwazurike. The team placed him on injured reserve after he suffered a shoulder injury against Kansas City last week.

Uwazurike is expected to miss at least the next four games, though Payton noted the injury is not season-ending. The fourth-year lineman has recorded 16 pressures and seven run stops as a backup, according to Pro Football Focus.

Player	Status/Injury	Expected Return/Notes
Jaylen Waddle	Concussion	Awaiting evaluation
Riley Moss	Concussion	Awaiting evaluation
Eyioma Uwazurike	Shoulder	Dec. 13 (Week 14)
Kris Abrams-Draine	Ankle	Out for Sunday’s contest

During Uwazurike’s absence, the Broncos will likely rely more heavily on reserves Jordan Jackson, Tyler Onyedim, and Sai’vion Jones. Uwazurike is first eligible to return to the lineup on Dec. 13 when Denver travels to Las Vegas for their Week 14 matchup.

The timing of these injuries provides a small window for recovery. With a bye week approaching, both Waddle and Moss will have a week of rest to heal before the team faces the Raiders in Week 11.

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