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Emmanuel Sanders runs in cleats for the first time since season-ending Achilles injury

Five months ago, Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders limped off the field after tearing his Achilles during practice. On Friday, laced in cleats, the Super Bowl champion ran on that very same training facility for the first time since his season-ending injury.

“I’m proud of how I handled the process. I did no complaining or asking God why me. I merely said this is all a part of my destiny. I endured the pain, I made the sacrifices and now I’m back running,” a portion of the 32-year-old’s Instagram caption read.

The two-time Pro Bowler’s injury update might not come as a shock to some fans. During a predraft news conference last month, Broncos general manager John Elway said his star wideout was in good spirits as he continued the recovery process.

“Emmanuel says he feels good,” Elway said, via 247sports.com. “You never know. We’re hoping. If there is anybody that can come back, it’s going to be him.

“That’s why I feel good about where he is. We’re going to add more [wide receivers] for camp. Hopefully we bring in a lot more competition there, too, and find a couple of gems there.”

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 18: Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) during an NFL regular season football game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 18, 2018, in Glendale, AZ. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Much to the delight of fans, Denver Broncos WR Emmanuel Sanders ran in cleats for the first time since tearing his Achilles last season. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

An essential part of Denver’s offense, Sanders tallied 71 receptions for 868 yards and scored six touchdowns in 12 games last season. The Texas native’s motivation to return to playing is probably one reason why the Broncos opted to pick up his contract option in February — to which Sanders confirmed via Twitter it would be for “one last ride.”

Denver used its sixth-round pick in the 2019 NFL draft on former Colorado receiver Juwann Winfree.

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