Denver Broncos Lose Starting Center Luke Wattenberg to Injury Before Crucial Chiefs Game

The Denver Broncos have lost a key starter on their offensive line. Center Luke Wattenberg was placed on injured reserve on Christmas Day. The move comes just hours before the team’s critical game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

This is a major setback for Denver’s playoff push. According to 9NEWS, Wattenberg could still return if the Broncos make a deep postseason run. The team’s resilience will be immediately tested.

Injury Woes Mount for Playoff-Bound Broncos

The injury bug has hit the Broncos hard recently. Starting safety Brandon Jones went on IR last week. Several other players were hurt in the Week 16 win over Jacksonville.

Rookie Pat Bryant and linebacker Dre Greenlaw are out for the Chiefs game. Key blocker Nate Adkins is also sidelined. Staying healthy had been a strength for Denver most of the season.

These losses test the team’s depth at the worst time. Denver has already clinched a playoff spot. The AFC West title and top seed remain possible but will be harder to secure now.

Alex Forsyth Steps Into the Starting Role

Second-year pro Alex Forsyth will take over at center. He was a seventh-round draft pick in 2023. Forsyth has valuable experience snapping to quarterback Bo Nix from their college days at Oregon.

He started four games last season when Wattenberg was injured. That experience should help him now. Forsyth is known for his high football IQ and was trusted during Nix’s pre-draft evaluation.

The timing is unfortunate. The line had just gotten guard Ben Powers back from injury. Now, the unit must adjust again during the season’s most important stretch.

The Broncos’ playoff journey continues, but the path just got tougher. Losing anchor Luke Wattenberg forces an untested player into the spotlight during a championship chase.

Info at your fingertips

How long is Luke Wattenberg out?

He was placed on injured reserve, which requires a minimum four-game absence. A report from 9NEWS suggests his season could be over unless Denver advances past the second playoff round.

Who is replacing Luke Wattenberg?

Alex Forsyth, a 2023 seventh-round pick, is the new starting center. He has previous starting experience from last season and played college football with quarterback Bo Nix at Oregon.

What other roster moves did Denver make?

The team promoted tight end Marcedes Lewis and guard Calvin Throckmorton from the practice squad. They also elevated linebacker Levelle Bailey and receiver Michael Bandy for the game.

Are the Broncos still in the playoff hunt?

Yes. Denver has already secured a playoff berth. They are still competing for the AFC West division title and the conference’s top seed, though injuries make the task more difficult.

Why is this injury significant?

Wattenberg is a core offensive lineman who recently signed a major contract extension. His absence disrupts continuity for the running game and pass protection for quarterback Bo Nix.