Broncos Offensive Line Could Shuffle Again Sunday

Oct 20, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) is helped up off the ground during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Broncos are hopeful that right tackle Orlando Franklin has made enough strides this week that he could play against the Washington Redskins, but he’s officially listed as questionable, as is backup guard Chris Kuper, who started his first game this season against the Indianapolis Colts.

If by some chance both Kuper and Franklin are unable to play against the Redskins, the Broncos will shuffle their offensive line yet again.

The best guess I can give you is that Winston Justice, who was signed after Ryan Clady went down with a season-ending injury, would start at right tackle with Louis Vasquez moving back inside to the right guard position. If both Kuper and Franklin are inactive, you would also likely see the Broncos activate guard/center John Moffitt, who was acquired from the Seahawks in a trade this past pre-season.

Here’s to hoping the Broncos don’t have to utilize their emergency offensive line unit, but that may very well be the case. With the way these guys played against Indianapolis, it’s more than a slight cause for concern for the Broncos, who are going to get a heavy dose of Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo.

Even though the Redskins may have the only defense in the league worse than Denver, they still have some guys who can make plays so hopefully whatever five guys are called to play for Denver are more prepared than they were for the Colts.