Report: Broncos Waive Former Second-Round WR KJ Hamler
The Denver Broncos have waived fourth-year wide receiver KJ Hamler with a non-football injury, per multiple reports, including DNVR's Zac Stevens. Mike Garafolo initially broke the news of Denver's intention to waive Hamler on Monday afternoon.
"The Broncos plan to waive WR KJ Hamler today with a non-football illness designation, sources say, though the transaction is procedural and designed with an eye toward bringing him back. Hamler’s condition isn’t overly serious and he’s expected to miss weeks, not months," Garafolo tweeted.
Garafolo reports that the Broncos have "an eye toward bringing him back," so Hamler's story in Denver might not be fully written. Time will tell, but we learned on Monday from Hamler himself that he's dealing with a newly-discovered heart condition called pericarditis.
Hamler has been snakebitten since entering the league as Denver's second-round pick in 2020. He dealt with an existing hamstring injury as a rookie, but it turned out to be his most impactful season as a Bronco, appearing in 13 games.
However, Hamler has been unable to stay out of the injury bug's crosshairs, appearing in 23 total games out of a possible 49, with just six starts. That's not exactly the type of impact a team hopes to get from a second-round pick.
Hamler missed most of last season, appearing in just seven games. Then, just when the Broncos were hoping to finally get him to 100% for his contract year, he suffers a torn pec in an offseason workout, hence the 'non-football injury.'
The Broncos placed Hamler on the non-football injury list to open training camp, and despite the shockingly disappointing news of Tim Patrick going down with a serious Achilles injury in Monday's practice, the team is waiving Hamler. It's a bitter development for the young pro, but if Hamler can get a little luck on his pec recovery sooner than later, it sounds like the Broncos will at least keep the door open on a possible return.
Hamler, 24, has 42 career receptions on 80 targets for 620 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He's fast and twitchy, but the Broncos have other options to check that box, including 2023 second-rounder Marvin Mims, Jr.
Broncos Country wishes Hamler nothing but the best of luck, no doubt. But considering that Hamler is living in Patrick's basement, it's going to be a rough couple of days.
Hopefully, we haven't seen the last of Hamler at Centura Health Training Center.
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