The Denver Broncos will face some adversity in their starting lineup when they take on the New York Jets this Sunday in London.
Starting guard Ben Powers is going to miss a good chunk of time following an injury to his biceps. He is expected back before the regular season ends, but the Broncos are going to have to replace him in the lineup for the first time since he joined the team.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, head coach Sean Payton was not ready to announce who would take his place in the lineup. Initially, the thought of many fans was that Alex Palczewski would assume that role. Palczewski is generally the player the team turns to when an offensive lineman has to come off during the game, but veteran Matt Peart will figure in as well.
#Broncos coach Sean Payton on left guard Ben Powers out: “With a starting player, it’s never any good & yet the next guy’s up & we’ll get ready to play him.” Matt Peart has the been top reserve offensive lineman on left side. Asked if he'll replace Powers Payton said, “We’ll see"
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) October 8, 2025
It does seem like this is the direction the team will go in. Peart is a former third-round pick who has played in 64 career games with nine starts. Payton may choose to lean on that experience, but Peart is a tackle by trade, so there will be a bit of a transition for him.
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Palczewski is the player the Broncos like to bring on the field as an extra tight end or sixth offensive lineman in certain packages, and that will likely continue. But expect it to be one of them that takes over for Powers. Other options the Broncos could use at that guard spot as the season goes on are Alex Forsyth and Calvin Throckmorton, who is currently on the practice squad.
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