ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton provided an update on wide receiver Josh Reynolds, stating that he is recovering well after experiencing a frightening incident last week that involved a shooting. “He’s fortunate,” Payton commented, noting the support Reynolds is receiving from both the NFL community and local law enforcement. He expressed that Reynolds was understandably “pretty shaken up” by the experience but wanted to leave further details undisclosed.
Reynolds has been actively participating in practice on a separate field as he recuperates from a broken finger sustained during a game against Las Vegas earlier this month, which required surgery. This injury has placed him on injured reserve, preventing him from traveling with the team for their upcoming game in New Orleans. As the shooting occurred in the early hours of October 18, it coincided with the Broncos’ victory over the Saints the night prior.
Defensive back Pat Surtain II expressed relief that Reynolds is safe after clearing concussion protocols, adding that the situation could have been much more tragic. “First things first, I’m glad he’s OK,” Surtain said. He emphasized the importance of Reynolds’ recovery and regarded his survival as a significant blessing for both him and the organization.
Left tackle Garett Bolles, who shares a locker room with Reynolds, mentioned that the shooting deeply impacted the team. He explained, “We could have lost a brother. That’s really what it is,” underscoring the unfortunate reality of violent altercations in the current social climate. Bolles condemned the act of attempting to take a life as completely unacceptable.
Denver police have made two arrests related to the shootings: Luis Mendoza, 35, and Burr Charlesworth, 42, who are facing charges of attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault. Authorities are currently investigating for any additional suspects, which has led to the sealing of arrest reports to maintain the investigation’s integrity.
Reports from local media indicate that Reynolds was shot in his left arm and also sustained a wound on the back of his head. The experienced receiver is in his ninth season in the NFL and joined the Broncos after signing a two-year contract worth $9 million last offseason. In the current season, he has appeared in five games, starting one, and has recorded 12 receptions for a total of 183 yards along with a touchdown. Prior to his time in Denver, Reynolds played for the Detroit Lions and also had stints with the Tennessee Titans and Los Angeles Rams, who selected him in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft from Texas A&M.