ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — It was set up for Baron Browning to have his breakout season.
A third-round draft pick out of mighty Ohio State in 2021, moved from inside to outside linebacker in his second season of 2022, Browning had 5.0 sacks in his final 10 games for the Broncos last year.
He was a projected starter this season at one outside linebacker position opposite Randy Gregory. Browning went through intense offseason work outs with famed trainer Frank Matrisciano – Von Miller’s periodic offseason trainer -- in the San Francisco-area, where he strengthened his quads and core through running steps and sand.
Browning arrived at the Broncos’ offseason program in April in tip-top condition. And then prior to the start of OTAs in May, Browning suffered a torn meniscus in a knee that required surgery. He missed the team’s offseason program, training camp, the preseason and first six games of the regular season.
At long last, Browning will make his season debut Sunday when the Broncos host the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High.
“It was frustrating just because I wanted to be out there with my team,’’ Browning said. “And then when it happened it was the week before OTAs. I was looking forward to getting out for OTAs and practicing because I put a lot of work in this offseason.
“I was kind of upset, I was just angry. Not at anybody in particular but just because I love football. I eat, breathe and sleep football. Any chance I get to work at my craft I want to work it. So not being able to be in my routine, it was an adjustment period. There were times when I wasn’t really sleeping just because I wanted to work my craft and do what I love to do.
“So now I’m going to be able to do that. It was kind of a frustrating process but I leaned on my faith and that’s what kept me even-keel and helped me get through it.”
Jonathan Cooper and Nik Bonitto will be the Broncos’ starting outside linebackers Sunday, at least in 3-4 theory, with Browning expected to rotate in. (Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph occasionally starts rookie Drew Sanders as a third inside linebacker in a 4-3 and doesn’t start Bonitto.)
“He would be (on) a pitch count,’’ head coach Sean Payton said of Browning’s return. “Anyone who is coming back into really first contact—we did it kind of with Javonte. We wouldn’t look for 60 to 70 snaps, but we would put him on a pitch count.”
If Browning only plays a third of the defensive snaps, it will be enough to add some pass-rushing juice to the Denver defensive edge.
“Man, he is strong, physical, and he’s explosive,’’ Payton said. “You feel—I know we’re not going live, but you can see his explosiveness. I would say there are some players that are heavy handed, and he is one of those guys.’’
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