Ty Sambrailo, who was listed as the Denver Broncos’ starting right guard, is expected to miss the team’s opening game against the Carolina Panthers, according to 9News’ Mike Klis.
This puts Denver in a precarious position heading into Week 1.
With Sambrailo out with an elbow injury, the Broncos have been relying on Michael Schofield and Darrion Weems (who suffered a concussion on Saturday) to step up in his place. All three, though, are natural tackles, which means that the Broncos are expecting at least one to make the transition inside to guard — not ideal.
The Broncos drafted Connor McGovern, a true interior offensive lineman, earlier in the offseason, but he’s still a ways a way from being ready to start in an NFL game.
That means, according to Klis, that John Elway and Gary Kubiak may look outside the organization for a potential Week 1 replacement.
Either way, the Broncos will be hoping for Sambrailo to make a speedy return. A second-round selection just last year, the former CSU Ram was expected to contribute early and often for the Broncos. He started the first three games of his career at left tackle before missing the rest of the season with injury.
With Russell Okung in the building, he won’t be contributing at left tackle any time soon, but a breakout season at right guard would go a long ways towards solidifying the Broncos offensive line.
