Broncos Have An Injured Center, With A Guard Set To Step In

The Denver Broncos have been getting nicked up in training camp, and that includes the offensive line. Center Luke Wattenberg has been struggling with a shoulder injury, and while he’s been in pads for the past couple of practices, he hasn’t progressed beyond stretching, according to a report from Corey Masisak from the Denver Post. 

Backup center Michael Dieter also went down with an injury during a running play this week, and he was carted off the field after Broncos trainers examined his right leg. 

That means the depth chart is being tested early, but coach Sean Payton doesn’t seem all that concerned. 

“We’ll work through it,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said. “We have guys that are flexible. We’ll be fine.”

One reason Payton is fairly sanguine about all this is guard Quinn Meinerz, who’s one of those flexible guys the coach mentioned. Alex Forsyth has also missed time, and veteran backup lineman Calvin Throckmorton took some snaps with quarterback Bo Nix, but Meinerz is ready and willing if needed. 

“I sharpen that tool every single year just in case,” Meinerz said. “I’ve got to have it in the back pocket. I know that it’s important to add that value to the offensive line room in an emergency situation. Even last year against the Chargers at the end of the year, I was technically one snap away from having to go play some center.”

Payton downplayed the possibilty of having to turn to Meinerz, but the guard said it’s happened before. Offensive line coach Mike Munchak moved him to center at times during his rookie year in 2020, so he definitely knows the drill, and he’s devoted time to learning the offense from the center’s unique point of view. 

“I learn the offense consistently from a center’s perspective,” Meinerz said. “I think you, as a guard, if you can understand our scheme from a center’s perspective, it will allow you to identify the defense quicker. 

“If a new center comes in, like a younger guy or someone that’s played guard and center, I can help them identify the ‘Mike’ (linebacker) and stuff like that. It’s a tool I constantly keep sharpened, just in case it’s needed. I hope I don’t have to use that tool, but if I do, I’m ready.”

But Meinerz definitely won’t be working with Nix this Friday, regardless of where he plays. The Broncos have already announced that Nix will sit out the opener against the Atlanta Falcons, with Sam Ehlinger and Jarrett Stidham splitting the QB chores and playing a half apiece.