Essang Bassey is making good progress in his recovering from an ACL injury that prematurely ended his 2020 season, but he’ll face an uphill battle for playing time in Denver’s crowded secondary this fall.
Kyle Fuller and Ronald Darby are expected to serve as the team’s starting outside cornerbacks, Bryce Callahan is an excellent slot cornerback and Patrick Surtain II will also be competing for playing time — both outside and in the slot.
The Broncos also have Michael Ojemudia returning at cornerback, so playing time might be hard to come by for Bassey. Despite the defensive back’s injury and a crowded depth chart, coach Vic Fangio still expects Bassey to have a role in Denver’s secondary this season.
“His recovery has been going well,” Fangio said on June 6. “He’s been really patient in his rehab, doing everything the trainers are asking him to do …. Once he gets back healthy and starts practicing, he’s definitely a factor in our secondary. He can play the nickel position and he can play the dime position.
“He got to play there last year and did fine. We expect him to have good growth in his second year. He’s a guy that once we get him back — I’m not sure when that will be. It may not be until the end of camp or later that he’s totally cut loose. We’re hoping to see him pick up where he left off.”
Bassey totaled 23 tackles, two pass breakups and one interception in 12 games last season, playing primarily as a slot cornerback.
Leave a Reply