Just a day after one of the most heartening wins of Sean Payton’s tenure in Denver, the Broncos will be forced to adjust around a massive blow to their offensive line.
The organization is placing guard Ben Powers on injured reserve, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to The Denver Post on Monday. Powers suffered a biceps tear in the Broncos’ win over the Eagles, and flew back to Denver Sunday night for further evaluation instead of heading to London with the team.
Somehow, Powers managed to play all 74 offensive snaps against Philadelphia Sunday, despite the injury. Now, though, the move means Powers will be out extended time — and the Broncos will need to replace a key piece on a dominant offensive line across a key stretch of the season.
The 29-year-old Powers was having a tremendous start to 2025, a major cog in the Broncos’ emphasis on outside zone in the run game and a major reason why quarterback Bo Nix has stayed upright so often in his second season. Through Sunday, Powers has surrendered the fewest quarterback pressures (five) of any NFL guard.
The source told The Post that the Broncos are viewing Powers’ injury on a nine- to 10-week timetable, with the intention he’s back before the end of the season. That’ll mean Denver will have to get creative before December, with a few options who could step in for Powers at right guard.
Reserve tackle Alex Palczewski seems the most likely candidate to step in, as he came out of training camp as the primary backup on the right side of Denver’s offensive line. Backup LT Matt Peart also worked at backup left guard some in the preseason. Practice-squad veteran Calvin Throckmorton is the only true guard on Denver’s current extended roster.
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