Jalen Virgil Injury Update, What Happened to Jalen Virgil?
by Ushapriyanga
Updated Aug 21, 2023
Who was Jalen Virgil?
Jalen Virgil was born on July 13, 1998, Jalen Lorenzo Virgil is a professional American football player known for his roles as a wide receiver and return specialist in the National Football League (NFL), specifically playing for the Denver Broncos. Before entering the NFL, he pursued his college football career at Appalachian State University.
Virgil's journey with the Appalachian State Mountaineers spanned six seasons, during which he opted to redshirt his initial freshman year, meaning he didn't participate in official games that season to retain his eligibility for an extra year.
In his ultimate college season, he exhibited his skills by securing 15 receptions for a total of 226 yards and accomplishing one touchdown. Moreover, he showcased his versatility by functioning as a kick returner, fielding 26 kickoffs throughout the season. Impressively, he set a new record for his university by accumulating 781 yards on those kick returns and achieving two touchdowns.
Name
Jalen Virgil
Born
July 13, 1998 (age 25)
Birthplace
Lawrenceville, Georgia
Height
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight
210 lb (95 kg)
Jalen Virgil Injury Update
Jalen Virgil is facing the likelihood of an extended absence due to a knee injury involving his meniscus, as confirmed by multiple sources to The Post on Sunday. Virgil, who plays as a wide receiver for the Denver Broncos, is taking steps to make an informed decision about potential surgical options by seeking a second medical opinion.
The recovery period after meniscus surgery can vary significantly, according to Dr. Clint Soppe, an orthopedic surgeon at the Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles. If the meniscus is trimmed, the recovery time typically ranges from 4 to 6 weeks. However, if a repair is needed, the recovery timeline extends to 4 to 6 months. Opting for a repair procedure would jeopardize Virgil's entire 2023 season.
Virgil sustained the injury during the latter part of the first half in a game against San Francisco. He had just completed a 50-yard reception from quarterback Jarrett Stidham, which resulted in a tackle near the goal line. After the play, Virgil initially got up but then reached for his knee, signaling the discomfort.
Following the incident, as the game clock ran out while Denver attempted to spike the ball, Virgil was transported to the locker room during halftime using a cart. Despite being an undrafted rookie from Appalachian State in 2022, Virgil was striving to secure a spot on the Broncos' roster.
This endeavor was further challenged by injuries suffered by fellow receivers Tim Patrick (Achilles tendon tear) and KJ Hamler (pectoral tear and cardiac condition), which reduced the receiver group's numbers.
Virgil's standout attribute is his speed, and he showcased this talent during his career. Notably, his first reception last season resulted in a 66-yard touchdown. In the recent game against San Francisco, he once again demonstrated his speed by executing a well-executed double move that led to a significant gain.
The Broncos face a decision regarding Virgil's status ahead of the regular season. Placing him on the injured reserve list before the season begins would result in him missing the entirety of the season. If they intend to bring him back from the injured reserve list during this season, they are required to have him on the 53-man roster for at least a day following the August 29 cutdown from a 90-player roster to a 53-player roster.
What Happened to Jalen Virgil?
During the Denver Broncos' second preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers, wide receiver Jalen Virgil sustained a knee injury that prompted him to exit the game early. The injury occurred when Virgil made a significant 50-yard catch on the final play of the first half.
Following the catch, he was tackled near the one-yard line, and the clock expired for the first half. In an attempt to set up one final play, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham spiked the ball. Notably, this 50-yard reception marked Virgil's sole catch during the game.
The 25-year-old player's condition appeared serious enough that he had to be taken off the field on a cart and transported to the locker room. Unfortunately, he did not return to the game following the injury. The extent and severity of the injury are yet to be determined, and it remains uncertain whether Virgil will be able to participate in the upcoming preseason finale scheduled against the Los Angeles Rams the following Saturday.
In his first year as an NFL player in 2022, Virgil's performance was limited to two receptions, amounting to 75 yards, and he managed to score a touchdown in nine games, with one of those games being a start. This indicates that he was still in the early stages of his professional career and had opportunities to contribute to the team's offense despite the limited playing time.
To elaborate further, the "preseason" in the NFL refers to the series of exhibition games that take place before the regular season. These games allow teams to assess the capabilities of their players, fine-tune strategies, and make roster decisions before the more competitive regular season begins.
A "reception" in football signifies the successful act of a player catching a pass thrown by the quarterback, usually resulting in forward progress for the offense. The "spike" is a maneuver executed by a quarterback to stop the clock, often done by forcefully throwing the ball into the ground after receiving the snap.
Virgil's injury occurrence highlights the physical demands of the sport and the potential impact on a player's availability for both preseason and regular season games. The outcome of his injury evaluation and subsequent recovery process will determine the course of action the Broncos take concerning his participation in future games.
Jalen Virgil Career
Virgil's tenure with the Appalachian State Mountaineers spanned six seasons, with his true freshman year spent as a redshirt. In his concluding season, he demonstrated his skills by capturing 15 receptions, amassing 226 yards, and securing a single touchdown. Additionally, he established a school record by returning 26 kickoffs, accumulating an impressive 781 yards and scoring two touchdowns in the process.
Virgil's professional career took shape when he inked an undrafted free-agent deal with the Denver Broncos on April 30, 2022. Notably, he earned a coveted spot on the Broncos' initial 53-man roster after a successful training camp.
On November 13, 2022, Virgil etched his name in the annals of professional football. During a challenging match against the Tennessee Titans, he electrified the field by scoring a remarkable 66-yard touchdown, marking his first-ever reception in the NFL. Despite the team's 17–10 loss, Virgil's standout performance was a memorable moment in his burgeoning career.
Jalen Virgil Injury Update - FAQs
Jalen Virgil is a professional American football player known for his roles as a wide receiver and return specialist in the National Football League (NFL). He played for the Denver Broncos and pursued his college football career at Appalachian State University.
During a game against the San Francisco 49ers, Jalen Virgil sustained a knee injury while making a 50-yard reception. He was tackled near the one-yard line, and the clock ran out on the first half. He had to leave the game and was transported to the locker room on a cart.
The exact extent and severity of Jalen Virgil's knee injury are still unknown. He has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus, and he is seeking a second medical opinion before deciding on the course of treatment.
The initial recommendation suggests that Jalen Virgil may require comprehensive meniscus surgery, which could keep him out of action for several months. However, there is an alternative, less invasive option involving a meniscus trim that might allow for a quicker return to the field.
Jalen Virgil's injury adds to the challenges faced by the Broncos' receiver group, which has already been impacted by injuries to other key players. His speed and versatility were noteworthy, and his absence will influence the team's offensive strategies.