The Denver Broncos may be getting a key offensive starter back for their Week 16 showdown with the Jacksonville Jaguars, based on a recent transaction made by the team.
The Broncos have waived offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton, a sign that Ben Powers could make his long-awaited return from a biceps injury this week. Powers could slide into the open spot on the 53-man roster and the Broncos could bring Throckmorton back to the practice squad, so long as he clears waivers.
Powers has been out of the lineup since the Broncos' huge Week 5 road win over the Philadelphia Eagles. The only bad news to come out of that game for Denver was the injury suffered by Powers, who had never missed a start in his tenure with the team.
Matt Peart was the first player brought in to replace Powers, but he was injured in the very next game. Alex Palczewski has done a good job in that role since, but the running game was more efficient with Powers in the lineup, so he could be returning at just the right time.
Since Powers has been out, the Broncos have also lost running back J.K. Dobbins to a foot injury.
The Broncos got a bit of a scare when RJ Harvey left last week's win over the Green Bay Packers with a rib injury, but he has been able to practice this week and is in line to play on Sunday. If the Broncos can get Powers back, they can start to get their running game going strong heading into the postseason. There may not be a more important aspect to Denver's Super Bowl hopes than the rushing attack.
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The Broncos have won 11 games in a row but will face a playoff-like atmosphere when they host Jacksonville on Sunday. The Jaguars have won their last five games and at 10-4, still have an outside shot at claiming the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
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