Mile High Report
According to 9NEWS Denver’s Mike Klis, Denver Broncos starting left guard Ben Powers is going on the injured reserve due to a biceps injury. Powers did not fly with the team to London after their victory over the Eagles, but instead flew back to Denver and underwent surgery on his bicep. Klis notes that Powers will be out for about 2 months and that the team hopes to have him back in December.
This is a significant blow to the Denver Broncos’ offensive line, as Powers has been a consistent piece for them since signing as a free agent in 2023. As Klis notes again, Powers has started 40 of the 40 games for the Broncos since he signed; however, the team will now have to look elsewhere for a left guard in the meantime. The silver lining here is that he is expected to return this season, but they will need to get by while he is sidelined.
With the team in London(or the surrounding area, based on Payton’s comments), it seems unlikely that they will add from outside the roster to fill Powers’ spot on the 53. They do have veteran guard Calvin Throckmorton on their practice squad, and he seems like a logical candidate to either be signed to the 53-man roster or elevated to the active roster from the practice squad. When it comes to who will now start at left guard, versatile offensive linemen Alex Palczewski figures to be the logical candidate. The sudden fan favorite has been used as an extra blocker on running downs early this season and came in for Mike McGlinchey for a few plays vs. the Eagles after he was shaken up. He did start 3 games for the Broncos last season and held his own, so hopefully, if he does get the nod, he can once again play well.
This team hasn’t had to deal with many major injuries to its starters since Sean Payton has taken over as the Head Coach. They have been fairly healthy and have consistently started the same five offensive linemen each week. Now, with Powers sidelined, it will be interesting to see if the unit continues to play at a high level or if there will be some growing pains/chemistry issues.
Personally, I have been a big Alex Palczewski fan, and I believe he can step in and play at a high level. If he does get the start, I would imagine veteran Matt Peart or developmental tackle Frank Crum could take over as the extra blocker who comes in on short-yardage/goal-line plays and has to report as eligible. We heard all about the Broncos’ elite depth this offseason/training camp, and that will be tested with Powers now sidelined with a biceps injury.
