Broncos Wide Receiver Emmanuel Sanders Tears Achilles: Reports

DENVER, CO — The Denver Broncos' playoff chances took a major blow Wednesday after star wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders reportedly tore his achilles. Mike Klis, who covers the team for KUSA-TV, first reported the news Wednesday, citing a team source.

Klis said he personally watched Sanders go down while making a cut on a short route. Sanders took off his helmet and reportedly slammed it to the ground following the injury.

"Broncos in last 31 days have lost C Matt Paradis, TE Jeff Heuerman, CB Chris Harris, LG Max Garcia, WR Emmauel Sanders," tweeted Klis. "Only Harris has chance to return if Broncos make the playoffs."

The team is already thin at the position, having traded veteran wide receiver Demaryius Thomas to the Houston Texans in October. Sanders is a two-time Pro Bowler who paces the team in receptions and yards this season, with 71 and 868, respectively.

The Broncos (6-6) are hardly world-beaters this season, particularly in the throwing department. The team trails both the Kansas City Chiefs (10-2) and Los Angeles Chargers (9-3) in the AFC West with just four games left to play.

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