Broncos Camp: Everyday the Offensive Line is Shuffling

Zane Beadles (68) during practice at the Broncos training facility. (Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports)

The Denver Broncos’ morning practice saw a major rearranging of the offensive line. With Orlando Franklin (hip) out and Ryan Clady (shoulder) practicing on a limited basis, the line took various shapes and sizes.

Most often Zane Beadles lined up at left tackle, Chris Clark was in at right tackle, Ryan Lilja was at left guard, Louis Vasquez was in at right guard, and Manny Ramirez sat in the middle at center.

“That’s why you have depth,” Peyton Manning said about injuries to the men who line up in front of him. “That’s why you have guys that have to be ready to play at any given moment. And because of the situation, a lot of guys are getting a lot of reps…You just never know what’s going to happen during the season. Injuries are going to come up during the season. So I think the more prepared we are, the better we will be long term during the season.”

This was the last padded practice for the Broncos before they fly out for their first preseason game against the 49ers. They have a walk-through Tuesday evening and again on Wednesday before they take off.

John Fox said that he will have his starters prepared to play the first quarter of Thursday’s game. Playing the entire quarter likely won’t  happen, but that’s what they’ll go in ready to do.

“Sometimes it will go less than that, but it won’t go any more than that,” Fox said. “The seconds will go the second and third quarter and then our thirds will finish the game out in the fourth quarter.”

Other absences from practice included TE Joel Dreessen (knee), CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (ankle), WR Greg Orton (ankle), RB Jeremiah Johnson (toe), WR Quincey McDuffle (hamstring), TE Jacob Tamme (quad), and S Quinton Carter (knee).

Tony Carter was pulled early due to a flared up knee.

To help the depth at tight end, the team signed Deangelo Peterson (will wear No. 86). Peterson is a first-year player from LSU who spent last season on Washington’s practice squad after signing with St. Louis as a college free agent.