Pat Bryant could have a bigger role than expected

Bryant was carted from the field in the second half of Sunday’s game after taking a big hit over the middle. The 23-year-old receiver currently ranks third among Broncos receivers with 91 routes run and has played 55 percent of his snaps out wide. Troy Franklin or Marvin Mims could be in line to see more snaps while Bryant is sidelined, but it’s hard to imagine either player becoming valuable fantasy assets at this time.

He’s questionable to return. Bryant took a big hit over the middle on a second half reception against the Niners and was down on the turf for some time before being helped onto the cart. Looking dejected, Bryant was taken to the locker room. The oft-injured Bryant could be facing yet another extended absence. That would likely boost playing time and targets for Courtland Sutton and possibly Marvin Mims.

Bryant also added a successful two-point reception in the third quarter to give him a usable fantasy week for the first time in 2026. He continues to play well behind Courtland Sutton and Jaylen Waddle in an offense that has yet to find its footing with a new offensive play caller. He’ll be a difficult start in Week 4 against the 49ers.

The good news for fantasy managers is that Bryant played well ahead of both Marvin Mims and Troy Franklin, rewarding those who took a late-round dart through on the talented second-year receiver. That’s about where the good news ended on this night considering the Broncos managed only 176 yards of total offense. While better days are likely ahead for Bryant, there is likely to be mounting pressure from the outside for offensive coordinator Davis Webb to relinquish play calling duties back to head coach Sean Payton. Until, or unless, that happens, Bryant appears likely to remain an upside WR4. That begins in Week 2 when the Broncos face the Jaguars.

Mims gets a starting slot alongside Courtland Sutton and Jaylen Waddle for the Broncos’ season opener against Kansas City. It’s quite the stunner after Pat Bryant — listed as a second-team wideout — drew consistent praise from Denver coaches this offseason both as an intermediate and downfield pass catcher. Mims, who has been used primarily as a gadget guy, was targeted on 20 percent of his routes last season and ended the year with 322 yards over 15 games. Bryant’s usage will be something to monitor in Week 1.

Yes, this is via the Broncos’ in-house media apparatus, but it jibes with what the more independent press has been saying. The second-year pro has also caught the attention of his veteran teammates. “He’s really good vertically and he makes his releases look all the same, which is tough for a guy like me,” were the words of CB Riley Moss. Jaylen Waddle’s addition took some of the air out of Bryant’s second-year breakout case, but he appears ensconced in the team’s No. 3 job and could eventually come into 12-team league relevance.

He compares it to Bryant’s 48 percent of the snaps last year while missing a few games with a concussion, suggesting he expects Bryant to become the main third receiver for this passing game behind Jaylen Waddle and Courtland Sutton. Kosmider quotes Sean Payton as saying “We don’t have a classic third (receiver),” which makes us think each of Bryant, Troy Franklin and Marvin Mims could be used situationally. No matter who wins the lead role of the three, it’s hard to imagine much fantasy value for the Broncos WR3 role given the split.

Bryant was asked about the two concussions and two hamstring strains he suffered last year. He responded by saying he is focused on “becoming bulletproof so I don’t have to deal with any of those things anymore,” and later clarified that meant he has been “putting on a few pounds of weight.” We will leave the medical analysis to the professionals. Bryant was listed at 6'2/204 last year and worked his way into two-wide receiver sets by the end of the year. The Broncos’ front office acquired former Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle via trade this offseason, dropping Bryant out of the No. 2 spot behind WR Courtland Sutton. Perhaps Bryant’s weight gain helps him as a run blocker and gives him a chance to retain at least a minor role in two-wide receiver sets.

A hamstring injury suffered in the first quarter forced Bryant to the sidelines in Sunday’s game. He was unable to return to the field and now sees a promising rookie season come to an end. The 2025 third-rounder ended this season ranked third among Broncos receivers in routes run (309), and finished the year with a 31-378-1 line on 47 targets. Bryant came on strong later in the season, with 31 of his targets coming in his last five regular season games. Bryant will compete with Troy Franklin and Marvin Mims for snaps next season, but could have the inside edge to the team’s WR2 spot with a strong offseason.

Bryant suffered a hamstring injury on the Broncos’ opening drive. After attempting to play through it, the rookie receiver is now on the sideline and is questionable to return. Bryant caught one pass for two yards before his injury.