The Denver Broncos are facing a significant challenge after losing one of their key players to injury. This comes at a critical time as rookie quarterback Bo Nix has struggled with protection, suffering multiple sacks in his first two games. Now, the team will be without their star offensive tackle, Mike McGlinchey, for at least a month.
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, McGlinchey suffered a significant MCL sprain during the Broncos’ 13-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 16. The injury occurred in the final moments of the game when McGlinchey was blocking against T.J. Watt. Unfortunately, he was inadvertently rolled up from behind by teammate Garett Bolles and a Steelers defender. The exact recovery timeline is still uncertain, but it’s clear that McGlinchey will be sidelined for an extended period.
McGlinchey, a veteran presence and a key supporter of Nix, has been instrumental in the rookie quarterback’s development. His absence will undoubtedly be felt, especially considering the critical role he plays in protecting Nix’s blind side.
This injury is a huge setback for the Broncos, who signed McGlinchey to a five-year, $87.5 million contract in 2023, restructuring the deal in March to free up cap space. The veteran had played in all 17 regular season games and three playoff games for the San Francisco 49ers in 2022 before joining Denver.
In McGlinchey’s absence, second-year tackle Alex Palczewski stepped in during the Steelers game. Palczewski, an undrafted free agent out of Illinois in 2023, has minimal NFL experience, logging only two offensive snaps and six special teams plays in the 2024 season.
Additionally, the injury could open up opportunities for another young talent, undrafted free agent Frank Crum. Broncos head coach Sean Payton has praised Crum’s potential, citing his strong tape and upside. Crum, a former Wyoming Cowboy, has been a healthy scratch for the first two games, but Payton has expressed confidence in his abilities.
As the Broncos face the challenges ahead, the loss of McGlinchey will test the depth and resilience of their offensive line. With a rookie quarterback under pressure and a reshuffled line, the team will need to adapt quickly to keep their season on track.
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