It’s official. After getting a second opinion and more tests done on his troublesome wrist, Denver Broncos linebacker Shane Ray will indeed have to undergo another surgery to repair that injury, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Rapoport adds that Ray is expected to face three months off due to the surgery, which means he could potentially miss the start of the 2018 season.
It’s a bitter blow for Ray on a couple of fronts. For one, this will be the fourth surgery he will have to undergo on his left wrist. But more importantly, it’s a major setback for the young pass rusher, who faces a pivotal season after the Denver Broncos declined his fifth-year option earlier this offseason.
A first-round pick by the Broncos in 2015, Ray had a breakout year in 2016 as he had eight sacks and 48 total tackles. However, he regressed significantly last year, in part due to injuries. He had just one sack in eight games, which factored into his option not being picked up.
A big year from Ray could see him hit free agency on a high next offseason. But now, he won’t have the benefit of the remainder of the spring to get himself into great shape ahead of this important year.
On the bright side for the Broncos, they still have sufficient talent to make up for Ray’s absence in the pass rush. Apart from veterans Von Miller and Shaquil Barrett, No. 5 overall pick Bradley Chubb should be set to take on a larger role while Ray is away.
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