Broncos Face Crucial Choice as LB Alex Singleton Sidelined
Denver Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton recently announced he has been diagnosed with testicular cancer. The captain of the Broncos underwent surgery shortly after the team’s hard-fought victory against the Las Vegas Raiders, which ended with a score of 10-7. Fortunately, early indications suggest Singleton caught the cancer at an early stage, but his recovery will sideline him for an indefinite period, including the crucial Week 11 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Impact on the Broncos’ Defense
Singleton expressed confidence in his recovery, stating, “I should recover pretty quickly from the surgery.” However, he acknowledged that he will miss the upcoming weekend’s game. The linebacker had been aware of his diagnosis before the recent game and still managed to deliver an outstanding performance, securing a team-high nine tackles and participating in every defensive snap.
Backup Plans Following Singleton’s Absence
With Singleton unavailable, Broncos are preparing to rely on Dre Greenlaw and Justin Strnad to fill the inside linebacker roles. Both players are among the most experienced and well-compensated on the team, aside from Singleton. Strnad articulated his support for Singleton, describing him as a fierce competitor. “We’re all going to be here to help him through it,” Strnad said.
Singleton’s Leadership Role
- Singleton wears the green dot on his helmet, allowing him to receive play-calls from defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.
- His absence will create a significant vacuum in the defensive lineup.
- Strnad is likely to take over the green dot due to his familiarity with the game plan.
Strnad noted the challenges of losing the play-caller in the defense. He emphasized the team’s commitment to prepare diligently for the Chiefs, stating, “It’s 11 guys on the field, and we’ll get it all figured out.”
Moving Forward
Strnad, who was re-signed to a one-year deal in the spring, will have to step up as a leader during this challenging time. The team’s response to Singleton’s diagnosis could also serve as motivation in their challenging upcoming games. “Alex sharing his story will inspire everyone,” Strnad remarked.
As Singleton faces his personal battle, the Broncos have a significant game ahead. They will need to unify and perform as a team against one of their toughest opponents this season—the Kansas City Chiefs. Decisions regarding Singleton’s future and team contracts will be considered at a later time. For now, the focus remains on both his recovery and the Broncos’ performance on the field.
