The Denver Broncos went five weeks before one of, if not the, strongest units on the team had a significant setback, but it has happened. Starting left guard Ben Powers suffered a biceps injury in Week 5 against the Philadelphia Eagles, and initial concern levels were justified.
Powers started and played the entire game. However, he did not travel with the team as they made their way to London. The Broncos will face the New York Jets in London in Week 6.
Moreover, the Broncos will not have Powers’ services for some time.
Ben Powers to Injured Reserve With Biceps Injury
GettyBen Powers #74 of the Denver Broncos in action against the New Orleans Saints.
Powers was originally a fourth-round draft pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2019. The 28-year-old signed a four-year, $52 million contract with the Broncos in free agency during the 2023 offseason.
“Per sources, Broncos LG Ben Powers is going on IR with biceps injury,” 9News’ Mike Klis reported on X on October 6. “Hope to have him back in December so roughly a two-month injury. Big blow as Powers was stalwart on team’s top-ranked offensive line. Started 40 of possible 40 games since he was signed as free agent in 2023.”
Per Klis in a follow-up report, Powers “underwent surgery Monday.”
The injury occurred during the Broncos’ final drive. The projected timeline puts Powers’ earliest return date at Week 14, when the Broncos will visit the Las Vegas Raiders.
Either way, it is indeed a “big blow” to the team’s offensive trenches.
“Can confirm the #Broncos are placing guard Ben Powers on IR with bicep injury, per source,” The Denver Post’s Luca Evans reported on X on October 6. “Source said team’s viewing this as 9-10 week injury, with intention Powers is back before the end of the year (around early Dec.). Still, a massive blow to Denver’s OL.”
Powers’ injury seemed as though it could prove problematic for the Broncos. Now, they must figure out their plans without him for the next two months.
Broncos Get ‘Ominous’ New Confirmed
GettyBo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos takes a snap as Ben Powers #74 blocks against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Word of Powers’ injury broke after the game. The league mandates that teams like the Broncos release an injury report before traveling, i.e, to London to face the Jets. Even before Powers went on IR, there were doubts about his immediate future.
The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel deemed the initial news of Powers’ injury and remaining behind the team as “ominous.”
“Powers is returning to Denver to be evaluated for a biceps injury he suffered against Philadelphia on Sunday night, according to an injury report the Broncos were required to release because of their travel to London,” Gabriel wrote in a follow-up article on October 5. “There was no immediate information on the severity of the injury, but returning home instead of traveling with the team clearly puts Powers’ status going forward in doubt.”
“Powers played every snap against Philadelphia, but now is facing a potential absence.”
The next step for the Broncos and head coach Sean Payton is identifying a replacement. After that comes preparing them to start against the Jets in Week 6.
They have several options.
“Could see Matt Peart as an option…Calvin Throckmorton is another one on PS,” KOA’s Ryan Edwards posted on X in reaction. “Alex Forsyth is your backup Center so you could either look at him at LG or potentially slide [Luke] Wattenberg over there and plug Alex in at C.”
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