The Denver Broncos confirmed that both Luke Wattenberg and Josh Reynolds would miss the team's Week 6 game against the Los Angeles Chargers, but they have now taken a further step with each player, placing them on injured reserve. This move means they will miss a minimum of four weeks before being eligible to return to the lineup.
Wattenberg will be sidelined with a high ankle sprain while surgery on a finger will keep Reynolds out. The Broncos will also be without Alex Palczewski on Sunday but opted not to place him on injured reserve, meaning he should be available soon.
The Broncos will need someone to step up and replace the production Reynolds was giving them at wide receiver. In the first two games of the season, he looked like the best wide receiver on the roster. In recent weeks, Bo Nix has been spreading the ball around but will need more than just Courtland Sutton to throw the ball to.
Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims Jr. and Devaughn Vele are all candidates to get more looks in the absence of Reynolds.
Meanwhile, Alex Forsyth will be the player the Broncos turn to with Wattenberg on the shelf. The former college teammate of Nix, Forsyth could use the next four weeks to make a case to be the team's starting center of the future.
#Broncos Alex Palczewski on now starting center Alex Forsyth “Alex is unbelievable The way I see him prepare every single week is crazy. He knows everything that’s going on & that's just unbelievable every single day. He knows what he’s doing & I’m really excited to see him play"
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) October 11, 2024
A seventh-round pick last year, Forsyth has some chemistry with Nix from their Oregon days and that could be beneficial when he takes the field in Week 6.
To fill the vacated spots on the roster, the Broncos have brought rookie running back Audric Estime off injured reserve and called up safety Tanner McAlister from the practice squad.
MORE BRONCOS NEWS
Broncos trade for Patriots tight end in proposed move before deadline
Broncos final Week 6 injury report
Broncos should steer clear of linebacker who just became available
