Denver Broncos linebacker Shane Ray played in just eight games last after he tore a ligament in his wrist during training camp, and it looked like he was on a similar path heading into the 2018 season. However, Ray and the Broncos received some unexpected good news recently.
Ray was slated to undergo a second wrist surgery this summer, but the doctor set to perform the procedure has decided it is not necessary. That means the former first-round pick may not miss any time in the regular season.
Unexpected good news for #Broncos: OLB Shane Ray was supposed to have wrist surgery this summer, but the doctor slated to perform it didn’t believe it was necessary, sources tell @JamesPalmerTV and me. He stuck to rehab & his timetable for return is much quicker than anticipated.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 23, 2018
At one point, the thought was #Broncos pass-rusher Shane Ray would be on the sidelines into the season after surgery. Now, though Ray could still start on the PUP list, he may not even miss regular season games thanks to not needing surgery. Big news at a crucial position.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 23, 2018
Ray is entering the final year of his rookie contract, as the Broncos chose not to pick up his fifth-year option. While he recorded just one sack last season, the 25-year-old had eight sacks when he played a full season in 2016. If he can get healthy in time for Week 1, he’ll have plenty of motivation to put up big numbers heading into free agency. That should be a big boost for Denver’s defensive front.
