Broncos bench Russell Wilson? QB clears concussion protocol but won't play on Sunday vs. Cardinals
Russell Wilson has had the worst season of his career and is now out of the game against the Arizona Cardinals, coach Nathaniel Hackett said on Friday. There was always a chance that Wilson wouldn't play, but it was not expected this way.
Third-year quarterback Brett Rypien will start instead. He will be making his second start of the season after losing in Week Seven to the New York Jets.
Although the Denver Broncos lost their last game, 34-28 to the Kansas City Chiefs, it was the first time this season that Wilson seemed to be in his groove as he threw passes and made plays with his feet. However, he was injured and had to leave the game with a concussion. The loss ensured that the Broncos were eliminated from playoff contention in a year when much more was expected of the team.
So, the question becomes why Hackett has decided that Wilson won't play this week against the Cardinals (4-9). Is it a long-term calculation or something else?
Russell Wilson will NOT play against the Cardinals but has passed the concussion protocol, per Hackett.
Russell Wilson benched as the Broncos give up on this season
The simplest reason for all of this is that the Denver Broncos (3-10) have been eliminated from playoff contention and have nothing to play for. If they don't play better this season, they might get better draft picks, and they need that after sending many of them to the Seattle Seahawks while trading for Wilson.
Additionally, it gives others the chance to claim a spot on the depth chart in the coming seasons. The coaching staff and the front office might want to see who can play better and replace the incubments after a disappointing season. Showcasing the talent on the roster might also allow them to trade some of the players and claw back some draft picks.
Blockbuster: The #Seahawks and #Broncos have agreed in principle on a trade sending nine-time Pro Bowl QB Russell Wilson to Denver for a massive haul, including multiple first-round draft picks, plus additional picks and players, per sources
Finally, the Denver Broncos have been in the news for all the wrong reasons. They do not want to rush back their star quarterback and see him get injured again. The Miami Dolphins took a lot of heat after rushing Tua Tagovailoa back from a reported concussion after he cleared the protocols only to be injured again. The last thing the Broncos need this season is further negative publicity.
For all such reasons, it seems that the Broncos have decided that Wilson will not see the field against the Cardinals. If the reasons above are established, there is a chance we might not see him again this season.