Tag: offensive tackle

Broncos scouts are zeroing in on these college football teams

Broncos scouts have been paying close attention to Oregon and Washington games this fall. Here are the prospects to know from those schools.

Going into this weekend’s slate of college football games, the Denver Broncos have spent more time scouting the Oregon Ducks and Arizona Wildcats than any other college football programs.

That’s according to NFL draft pundit John Vogel, who reported last week that Denver scouts have attended three Oregon games and three Wildcats games this fall. Broncos general manager George Paton also attended the Washington Huskies game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in September.

The most notable prospect among the four colleges mentioned is Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, the top receiver in the 2025 class. The Wildcats’ offense also features offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea.

Oregon has a host of prospects who could interest Denver’s staff, including receivers Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart, offensive tackles Josh Conerly and Ajani Cornelius, defensive linemen Derrick Harmon and Jordan Burch, and running back Jordan James.

Washington’s prospects of note include running back Jonah Coleman, safety Kamren Fabiculanan and receiver Giles Jackson. Meanwhile, the Rutgers’ offense features offensive tackle Hollin Pierce and running back Kyle Monangai.

With Broncos scouts and executives checking in on those programs, the above players will be worth monitoring this fall. The 2025 NFl draft will be held in Green Bay from April 24-26. Denver holds seven picks.

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Chiefs HC Andy Reid comments on the offensive line’s progress: ‘They’re good players’

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid comments on the offensive line’s progress: ‘They’re good players’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed his offensive line during Wednesday’s press conference, focusing on the game packages featuring extra offensive tackles recently required to be eligible as receivers.

“So, our called player was 64 (Wanya Morris), so we could sub Kingsley (Suamataia) out. When we put Mike (Caliendo) in, and Mike could come in – you have to sub the guy out – the called player,” said Reid. “So, to do what we were trying to do, you had to make that move, but I mean, it shows you the trust that we have in Kingsley, too, because we came in and threw the ball. It didn’t matter what the play was. We have two good young guys. They’re getting better as we go.”

Reid has rarely had an issue regarding his highly praised interior offensive line, as each player is dominant in their roles with All-Pro accolades.

“Well, they’re (Trey Smith, Creed Humphrey, and Joe Thuney) all best buddies; they’re always together. They’re good players, and they work at it. They’ve played together long enough where they kind of know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and cover up the weakness with each other’s strengths.” said Reid. “Again, these challenges that we had – and this week won’t be any different. Their (Denver Broncos) inside guys are great, so it’ll be another big challenge for those inside three to execute. Just like last week was, that was a big challenge. They’re good friends, they spend a lot of time together, they study, they’re smart guys.”

The offensive line’s play has dramatically benefited the running game, as Kansas City remains one of the league’s better-rushing teams. The rotation of running backs due to injury hasn’t affected the on-field production, with Kareem Hunt quickly emerging as a standout in the group this season.

Chiefs OT Jawaan Taylor restructured his contract to help the roster: ‘I’m a team-first guy’

Kansas City #Chiefs offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor restructured his contract to help the roster: ‘I’m a team-first guy’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor spoke with reporters on Saturday about his recent agreement to restructure his contract. The new deal opened up space to make recent additions to the roster after several injuries.

“I’m a team-first guy, so anything to help the team win or help the team become better,” said Taylor, “I’m willing to do that, so it wasn’t really much of a conversation. I just had to make it happen, and when it was presented to me, it wasn’t even a thought. I was just willing to help the team.”

The veteran right tackle’s sacrifice opened the door for the trades that brought DeAndre Hopkins and Joshua Uche to Kansas City. Taylor reportedly cleared 5.3 million in cap space for the team.

“We always want the opportunity to get better and help the team in whatever way we can,” said Taylor, “We had a couple of guys go down with injuries and stuff like that, so I think the guys we brought in are definitely going to help us out.”

Taylor has played better this year, limiting the penalties that plagued his 2023 season. He is a respected veteran who is committed to helping the team win.

Should Pittsburgh target an offensive lineman at the trade deadline? 

Poor penalty management by Steelers’ RT Broderick Jones, and injuries to the offensive line may need to be solved via trade by the deadline.

It is truly miraculous how the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to win games given how injured their offensive line is. In Week 8, the Steelers were missing three starting offensive linemen, with two out for the entirety of the regular season. The interior depth on the o-line has been great, but the tackle position may need an upgrade before the upcoming trade deadline on November 5th. 

LT Dan Moore Jr., whose play has been outstanding this season, was banged up and had to sit out one play late in Week 8’s contest. Backup offensive lineman Spencer Anderson replaced him and immediately allowed QB Russell Wilson to get sacked. 

RT Broderick Jones continues to commit penalties that kill offensive momentum, and while it is probably time for HC Mike Tomlin to bench him, there is truly no quality starter who could take his place. 

Offensive tackle trade targets such as Cam Robinson, Andrus Peat, or Walker Little could help alleviate the injury woes. This team looks primed to make a deep playoff run, but they’ll first need to address depth issues on the offensive side of the football. 

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Broncos open window for 2 starters to return from injured reserve

The Broncos have opened the 21-day window for OT Mike McGlinchey (MCL) and OLB Baron Browning (foot) to return from injured reserve.

The Denver Broncos opened the 21-day window for two starters to return from injured reserve on Tuesday.

Broncos right tackle Mike McGlinchey (MCL) and outside linebacker Baron Browning (foot) returned to practice on Tuesday, which started their three-week window to return to the active roster.

If McGlinchey and Browning are not activated within the next 21 days, they will remain on injured reserve for the rest of the season. Both players seem likely to be activated before the deadline, but it remains to be seen if they will be activated in time for a Thursday Night Football showdown with the New Orleans Saints on Oct. 17.

McGlinchey will likely immediately return to starting at right tackle once he returns. Browning, on the other hand, might be a rotational pass rusher because Nik Bonitto has played so well across from Jonathon Cooper.

The Broncos also opened the three-week window for cornerback Damarri Mathis (ankle) to return from IR last week, so he is a candidate to return in Week 7 as well. Denver currently has two open spots on the active roster after cutting two players on Tuesday.

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Chiefs coaching staff continues to evaluate options at left tackle through bye week

Kansas City #Chiefs coaching staff continues to evaluate options at left tackle through bye week | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid held his first Zoom press conference since the bye week on Monday. He addressed the ongoing battle for the starting left tackle position ahead of the Week 7 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers.

“We obviously looked at that, and both of them can do better, and so Wanya (Morris) knows what he’s got to work on, and likewise, Kingsley (Suamataia) does,” said Reid. “We’re lucky to have both the guys, both young guys, and we’re kind of growing with them here. So we’ll just let that process keep rolling.”

Suamataia won the starting left tackle job out of training camp and began the season in that role. He struggled in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals, which led to his benching in the fourth quarter in favor of Morris. The rookie remains highly valued by Reid and the coaching staff but has some things to work on regarding his consistency.

Morris has started the last few games and is used in the occasional big packages with Suamataia. The second-year offensive tackle has also faced criticism for recent penalties as he works on his effectiveness. Both players will likely be interchangeable for the rest of the season, barring any shocking moves at the trade deadline.

Broncos center goes on injured reserve; right tackle avoids IR

The Broncos placed center Luke Wattenberg on injured reserve on Saturday. Alex Forsyth is the next man up.

The Denver Broncos placed center Luke Wattenberg on injured reserve on Saturday with an ankle injury, the team announced.

Wattenberg will now have to sit out at least four games before being eligible to return from IR. On deck for the Broncos are games against the Los Angeles Chargers (home), New Orleans Saints (away), Carolina Panthers (home) and Baltimore Ravens (away).

The earliest Wattenberg would be eligible to return would be for a Week 10 showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs on the road on Nov. 10. Alex Forsyth is set to start at center while Wattenberg is sidelined.

The good news for Denver is that right tackle Alex Palczewski has avoided IR, but he’s still ruled out for this week’s game. The Broncos are expected to replace Palczewski in the starting lineup with Matt Peart on Sunday. Next week, right tackle Mike McGlinchey (knee) will be eligible to return from IR and reclaim his starting role.

Denver’s game against Los Angeles will be regionally televised on CBS. Despite playing at home with a three-game winning streak, the Broncos are considered underdogs against the Chargers this week.

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Broncos terminate contract of injured offensive lineman with settlement

The Broncos terminated offensive lineman Will Sherman’s contract with an injury settlement, making him a free agent.

After placing offensive lineman Will Sherman on the practice squad/injured list on Tuesday, the Denver Broncos terminated his contract on Wednesday after reaching an injury settlement with the player.

Sherman (6-4, 300 pounds) Sherman injured his ankle during a practice last week. After reaching a settlement with the team, he now becomes a free agent. Once healthy, Sherman might be a candidate to return to the Broncos.

Elsewhere on the roster front, Denver officially signed wide receiver A.T. Perry to their practice squad on Wednesday. The Broncos added four players to their practice squad this week, clearing out Sherman, running back Salvon Ahmed and defensive back Quinton Newsome to make room. Denver also promoted linebacker Levelle Bailey to the active roster.

On the injury front, the Broncos have also opened 21-day windows for running back Audric Estime (ankle) and cornerback Damarri Mathis (ankle) to return from injured reserve to the 53-man roster.

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Broncos place practice squad OT Will Sherman on injury list

The Broncos placed OT Will Sherman (ankle) on their practice squad injury list on Tuesday.

The offensive line injuries keep coming for the Denver Broncos.

The Broncos placed backup offensive tackle Will Sherman (ankle) on the team’s practice squad injury list on Tuesday, according to KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis. The injury happened during practice last week.

Sherman (6-4, 300 pounds) joined the Broncos in 2022 after previously competing on the practice squad of the New England Patriots in 2021. He spent last season on Denver’s practice squad and is yet to make his NFL debut.

The Broncos also lost fill-in starting right tackle Alex Palczewski and starting center Luke Wattenberg to ankle injuries this week. Denver signed tackle Cam Fleming and center Dieter Eiselen to the practice squad to add more depth while Palczewski and Wattenberg are sidelined.

Broncos right tackle Mike McGlinchey (knee) will be eligible to return from injured reserve next week. In the meantime, Matt Peart (right tackle) and Alex Forsyth (center) are likely the next men up on the offensive line.

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Broncos bringing back familiar face at offensive tackle

After losing right tackle Alex Palczewski to an ankle injury, the Broncos are signing veteran Cam Fleming to their practice squad.

After losing right tackle Alex Palczewski to an ankle injury against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, the Denver Broncos are bringing back a familiar face to provide more depth on the offensive line.

The Broncos are signing veteran swing tackle Cam Fleming to their practice squad, according to a report from KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis. Fleming (6-5, 320 pounds) worked out for Denver last month after the team lost Mike McGlinchey to a knee injury.

McGlinchey will be eligible to return from injured reserve next week. In the meantime, Matt Peart will likely be the next man up at right tackle if Palczewski is not able to play against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 6.

Fleming, 32, played for the Broncos from 2021-2023, splitting time between right tackle and left tackle. He started 20 games in three seasons.

Palczewski and center Luke Wattenberg both suffered ankle injuries against the Raiders. Denver coach Sean Payton was not forthcoming when asked about the offensive line injuries on Monday.

“We’ll see how the week unfolds relative to our own guys,” Payton said.

NFL Network reported on Sunday that Palczewski is believed to have suffered a high ankle sprain. If that report is accurate, Palczewski might be a candidate for a four-game stint on IR.

The Broncos are also set to sign wide receiver Kaden Davis to its practice squad this week. Denver will have to make a pair of corresponding moves to make room for Fleming and Davis on the 17-player practice squad.

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