Four days after being carted off the field with what appeared to be a very serious ankle or leg injury, Broncos rookie left tackle Garett Bolles made a stunning return to practice.
As seen here, via the Denver Post on Thursday, this is the same player who was in tears clutching teammate Menelik Watson for support before getting driven off the field against the Cowboys.
On Monday, head coach Vance Joseph announced that Bolles had avoided any season-ending type injury and noted that it was just a serious bone bruise. Still, based on initial reactions, there was almost no one expecting the first-round pick back out on the field so soon.
Bolles officially was listed as a limited participant, and while the rookie's quick return surprised some, it didn't shock his head coach.
"Not surprised by it," Joseph said, per The Denver Post. "Obviously the initial injury we thought was more serious, but he's treated and he's getting better fast. He's not there yet so we're not sure if he's going to play on Sunday, but he's getting better fast."
For his part, Bolles told reporters after practice he was pleased to be back on the practice field.
"I feel great, he said, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Denver Post. "Right now, I'm just going to take it one day at a time. I'm not planning to push it ... Whether it's this week or next week, I just know that I'm going to be ready."
A season-ending injury would have been devastating to Bolles' development. Now, it looks like he may not even miss a snap.
