Rookie left tackle Ty Sambrailo missed practice again on Friday because of a shoulder injury, meaning he will not play on Sunday against Minnesota. There will be some shuffling along the line that should have Broncos fans and Peyton Manning concerned.
The team officially ruled Sambrailo out shortly after practice.
Cameron Wolfe, among others, reported via Twitter that Ryan Harris will be moved to left tackle and Michael Schofield will see his first game action at right tackle.
Ryan Harris at LT. Michael Schofield at RT.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) October 2, 2015
As if entering the season with a rookie left tackle in a new scheme wasn’t scary enough for Peyton Manning, now he has to deal with a shuffling line and a very unproven right tackle.
Schofield has been nothing more than a massive question mark, having seen zero game action since being drafted in the third round of 2014. Minnesota has a dangerous edge rush, so head coach Gary Kubiak should be leery of giving Schofield his first action in such a tough matchup.
Tyler Polumbus, signed on Thursday, might have been a safer choice, as a veteran. But he’s only been with the team for less than 48 hours and is still learning the terminology, even if the scheme is similar to ones he’s run before.
Polumbus will be the swing tackle. Don’t be surprised to see him in pass-blocking scenarios if Schofield struggle.
Regardless, it’s going to be baptism by fire Schofield on Sunday.
Manning better have his Clorox Stick ready to work out some grass stains.
