The Denver Broncos will be without two starting offensive linemen and one of their top wide receivers when they face the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
The team released its final injury report ahead of the game on Friday and it revealed that Alex Palczewski and Luke Wattenberg are going to miss the game due to ankle injuries and wide receiver Josh Reynolds will also be out following surgery on a finger. It seems likely that he will miss more than one game.
#Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds underwent minor finger surgery and, after a successful procedure, is expected to miss at least one game and likely a few more as he works to return potentially later this month, per a league source @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 11, 2024
This means that the Broncos will likely start 2023 seventh-round pick Alex Forsyth at center. It would mark the first career start for Forsyth, who many felt would be the team's starting center this season due to playing with Bo Nix at Oregon. He will be a key player to watch in this game to see if he can hold his own against the Chargers' front.
In place of Palczewski, the Broncos will likely turn to veteran tackle Matt Peart.
With Reynolds out, the Broncos are going to need someone to step up in the passing game in order to give Nix someone aside from Courtland Sutton to throw the ball to. Troy Franklin or Marvin Mims could be that guy, but Devaughn Vele, who has not played since Week 1, could get a chance to get back out there and contribute.
Broncos may see the return of two injured stars
Also noted on the injury report was the questionable status of running back Audric Estime and cornerback Damarri Mathis.
Estime, the team's fifth-round pick, played in the season opener against Seattle and carried the ball two times for 14 yards. He has been on injured reserve ever since.
Mathis, who lost the starting cornerback job to Riley Moss in the preseason, has not played this season but could give the team more depth in the secondary.
The Broncos are still relatively healthy, particularly compared to many other teams around the league. However, missing two starters on the offensive line will be one of the biggest factors in this game. Can the team overcome those losses?
The Chargers will have Justin Herbert available despite a nagging ankle injury and Joe Alt will return to the lineup, but the team could be without all three of its starting cornerbacks while Joey Bosa and Rashawn Slater are also listed as questionable.
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