The Denver Broncos made their official injury designations for December 14’s matchup with the Green Bay Packers, and the final report delivered both clarity and a new concern. Denver ruled guard Ben Powers out with a biceps injury and also ruled wide receiver Pat Bryant out due to a hamstring issue.
But the biggest development was a late addition: starting right tackle Mike McGlinchey popped up on the injury report with a shoulder injury and is listed questionable for Sunday. Late-week additions on the offensive line tend to raise eyebrows because they can force an entire reshuffle of protection plans — and sometimes change what an offense feels comfortable calling.
The Broncos now head into the weekend knowing they’ll be without at least two contributors, while also needing to prepare for multiple scenarios up front depending on McGlinchey’s availability.
Broncos Officially Rule Out Ben Powers and Pat Bryant
Powers’ designation is the cleanest part of the report. He’s been dealing with a biceps injury, and Denver ultimately ruled him out, meaning the Broncos will be working with a different interior combination against Green Bay. Even if an offensive line has decent depth, losing a lineman who normally plays a large chunk of snaps can have ripple effects — communication, timing in combo blocks, and how the coaching staff wants to slide protections.
Bryant was also ruled out after missing practice time during the week with a hamstring injury. That impacts Denver’s receiver rotation and can also matter on special teams, depending on how the team has been using him. Either way, it’s one less option available on Sunday, and it raises the importance of clean execution from the healthy receivers in a game where every possession could swing momentum.
Mike McGlinchey Added Late With Shoulder Injury, Listed Questionable
McGlinchey being added late with a shoulder injury is the headline here. The Broncos listed him as questionable after he did not practice on Friday, which creates legitimate uncertainty heading into Sunday.
“Questionable” does not mean “out,” but it does mean Denver has to prepare for the possibility that it won’t have its starting right tackle. That’s a major deal against any opponent, especially when an offense is trying to keep its quarterback on schedule and avoid negative plays.
If McGlinchey can’t go, Denver’s coaching staff will likely have a contingency plan ready — a swing tackle taking over, potential help from tight ends, and a more deliberate approach to managing edge pressure. Even if he’s active, the Broncos still have to consider whether the shoulder limits him and whether Green Bay will test that side early with speed or power off the edge.
What It Means for the Broncos vs. Packers
The simplest way to frame it: these designations put extra stress on Denver’s ability to win in the trenches.
If the Broncos are down Powers and possibly McGlinchey, the offense could lean more heavily on quick-game concepts and defined reads, plays designed to get the ball out fast and avoid holding it while protection settles. That can show up as more screens, more play-action with max protection, and a greater emphasis on staying ahead of the chains.
It can also influence the run plan. Coaches often adjust run direction, use more help with tight ends, or call concepts that reduce the need for a tackle to win one-on-one repeatedly. None of that is panic-mode by itself — it’s just the reality of preparing for a strong NFL defense when your line isn’t at full strength.
There was at least some positive news on the report. Tight end Nate Adkins progressed to a full practice on Friday after being limited earlier in the week with a knee issue, a sign he’s trending the right way. Defensive tackle D.J. Jones was listed as a full participant throughout the week while dealing with an ankle issue, which is typically a good indicator for availability.
The biggest thing to watch now is the final actives/inactives list on Sunday. If McGlinchey is active, the Broncos may still monitor him closely. If he’s inactive, Denver’s next-man-up plan will be under the microscope immediately, because the right side of the offensive line is the kind of storyline that can shape an entire game.
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