Emmanuel Sanders

Emmanuel Sanders does not expect to return from his Achilles injury until mid-July.

Fantasy Impact

Sanders recently began running in cleats and working on lateral movements, so he's pretty much on schedule right now. The 32-year-old faces some tough odds coming back from an Achilles injury so it'll be important to monitor his rehab as the summer progresses. He's currently penciled in as Denver's WR1 to begin the season.

Emmanuel Sanders was seen running in cleats for the first time since tearing his Achilles last December.

Fantasy Impact

Sanders tore his Achilles on Dec. 3, and he seems to be progressing nicely through the recovery process after posting a video to his Instagram account running in cleats. That’s great news for Denver’s new QB Joe Flacco, who will need Sanders to be as close to full health as possible this season with a stable of young and unproven wideouts behind him on the depth chart.

ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting the Broncos will exercise WR Emmanuel Sanders' option for 2019.

Fantasy Impact

While Sanders' name had recently come up in trade rumors, it appears that the 31-year-old wideout will remain in Denver for 2019, at least for now. Although he only played in 12 games last season due to a season-ending torn Achilles suffered in Week 12, he still managed to haul in 71-of-98 targets for 868 yards and four touchdowns. If Sanders can get his health back on track and fully recover from his Achilles injury, he has a chance to rebound with a big year now that big-armed QB Joe Flacco will be under center for the Broncos in 2019.

Emmanuel Sanders posted on social media saying he has no interest in restructuring his contract.

Fantasy Impact

"It ain't happening. No way Jose" is what Sanders responded with. The 31-year-old tore his achilles late last season and is scheduled to count $12.94 million against the cap in 2019. Denver faces a March 12th deadline to exercise his option for this year. The fact that he is guaranteed some money in the case of injury could mean the Broncos just hold onto him.

The Broncos has officially placed WR Emmanuel Sanders on IR after he suffered a torn Achilles in practice on Wednesday.

Fantasy Impact

Given the required recovery timeframe, Sanders could start the season on the PUP list. It's awful timing for the pending free agent as well as fantasy owners. It seems that the injury could increase the chances Sanders remains with Denver into 2019, but that's not clear. In the meantime, Courtland Sutton becomes the team's No. 1 WR, a role that will provide him an increase in targets. If he's efficient with them, he'll have the potential to reach WR2 heights, though it could just provide him with a higher floor as a WR3. Beyond Sutton, Tim Patrick and DaeSean Hamilton will be the team's other primary WRs.