Report: Matt Paradis is on track to start this week vs. Packers

According to Troy Renck, Denver Broncos starting center Matt Paradis is on track to start the Broncos’ third preseason game vs. Green Bay…

As the world awaits the Solar Eclipse 2017, the Denver Broncos continue business as usual. As the team approaches its week three preseason matchup against the Green Bay Packers, they may also be getting back a key piece of their offensive line in Matt Paradis.

Paradis had offseason surgery on both hips, and has been recovering from that surgery for the last seven months or so. According to Pro Football Focus’ grades, Paradis was the best center in football last season.

A sixth round selection in the 2014 NFL Draft, Paradis spent a year on the practice squad in Denver before earning the starting job in 2015 with the Broncos’ Super Bowl team.

Paradis was excellent in his first year as a starter, and continued his excellent play in 2016, playing most of the season with a major injury. It’s no wonder his scouting reports coming out of college touted his toughness and grit.

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The former walk-on at Boise State has really made a name for himself in Denver, and returning to the lineup will be a welcome sight for the Broncos, who have considerably improved their front five this offseason.

So far, Ron Leary — the big money free agent from the Cowboys — appears to be as advertised. Garett Bolles has to clean up some sloppiness, but he’s also brought a new level of toughness to the Broncos’ line. Menelik Watson bounced back from a bad start against Chicago to pitch a shutout in pass protection against the 49ers, and Connor McGovern has provided the Broncos with a very capable backup at center in Paradis’ absence.

In fact, as good as McGovern has been in the absence of Paradis, there’s a real chance he could slide over one spot and start for the Broncos at left guard, where neither Max Garcia nor Allen Barbre has separated themselves.

This will be a big opportunity for the Broncos to see what the hope is their opening day starting offense all together.