Former Washington Huskies center Luke Wattenberg has been getting Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton’s attention. The former All-Pac-12 honorable mention is in a battle for the starting position in the middle of Denver’s line with Oregon alum Alex Forsyth for the starting position on the Bronco’s offensive line.
Luke Wattenberg and Alex Forsyth are playing “well” and Sean Payton is encouraged by both of them.
Said the tape for both of them was really good.
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 14, 2024
Wattenberg got the start in Denver’s 34-30 win over the Indianapolis Colts in their first preseason game. While there was some awkward exchanges between the 2022 fifth round draft pick and Denver’s first round pick, another former Duck, Bo Nix, they found their groove. Nix finished 15-for-21 with 125 yards and 1 touchdown on the day.
“While I don’t think the door is far from closed on Forsyth earning the starting center job, and he did look solid against the Colts, Wattenberg did exactly what he needed to do,” Ross Allen of the Mile High Report said. “Wattenberg looked like he belonged with the starting offensive line. And with him already getting most of the reps with the first team at camp, it seems like this will be his job to lose.”
Denver has yet to announce their starting lineup for the preseason game Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, but it appears the former Husky is doing all he can to win the job.