The Denver Broncos are confronted with a significant challenge as linebacker Alex Singleton is set to miss time due to a recent cancer diagnosis. Singleton revealed on Monday that he has been diagnosed with testicular cancer, prompting him to undergo surgery the day after the team”s narrow victory over the Las Vegas Raiders by a score of 10-7.
Although early reports suggest that Singleton caught the cancer early, his surgery means he will definitely be sidelined for the upcoming Week 11 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. “I”m not giving an exact timetable yet, but I should recover pretty quickly from the surgery and then get up and running here pretty soon,” Singleton shared. “But I for sure will be missing this weekend.”
In a remarkable display of determination, Singleton competed fiercely in the game against the Raiders, despite being aware of his diagnosis and impending surgery. He led the team with nine tackles and participated in every defensive snap during the game.
As Singleton embarks on this daunting journey, the focus now shifts to the impact of his absence on the Broncos” defense. The team is fortunate to have Dre Greenlaw back after an extended absence, and he has stepped up in the last two games, although he has not played a full snap share yet. With Singleton out, Greenlaw and Justin Strnad will take on the inside linebacker roles.
Strnad, who expressed deep support for Singleton after the news was revealed to the team, emphasized Singleton”s competitive spirit. “It doesn”t surprise me with Alex. He”s shown to be the ultimate competitor and ultimate team player,” Strnad remarked. “He”s been through a lot in this league, and this is obviously a big obstacle but he”s going to overcome it. We”re all going to be here to help him through it.”
Strnad referenced Singleton”s previous struggles, including a severe knee injury that caused him to miss the remainder of last season. Singleton has shown resilience, starting every game this season despite also dealing with a fractured thumb sustained during training camp.
With Singleton”s absence, the Broncos must address a critical decision regarding the player who will wear the green dot on their helmets, which signifies the player receiving the play-calls from defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. Strnad is a likely candidate to assume this responsibility, given his familiarity with the scheme and the trust he has earned from his teammates.
“Anytime the green dot guy and the Mike backer go down in a defense, it obviously has its effects on things, but keep everything in-house as to how that”s going to work out,” Strnad said. “We”re obviously going to prepare to beat the Chiefs. It”s 11 guys on the field, and we”ll get it all figured out and put our best foot forward this week.”
While Strnad has been with the Broncos longer and has faced the trials of the game alongside his teammates, Greenlaw”s limited experience with the team could be a factor. Nevertheless, Strnad is more focused on supporting Singleton during this difficult time. Singleton”s diagnosis may serve as a motivational force for the Broncos” defense as they gear up for a challenging showdown against one of their fiercest rivals.
“Alex sharing his stuff with us and just the story and everything, and the person that he is, I think everybody”s going to be inspired by him,” Strnad added. “We”re all just going to put our best foot forward and go out and get a victory this week against Kansas City.”
The Broncos were able to re-sign Strnad to a one-year deal earlier this spring, and with Singleton also on an expiring contract, the team faces significant decisions ahead. However, their immediate priority is clear: support Singleton in his personal battle while preparing for the upcoming game against the Chiefs.
