Denver Broncos: Austin Schlottmann to get first start vs. Texans

With Ron Leary missing practice all week in concussion protocol, former UDFA Austin Schlottmann is slated for a start at RG for the Denver Broncos.

The Denver Broncos have had a revolving door on basically the entire offensive line for the past five years, so having another player rotate into the starting lineup should be no big deal.

As a matter of fact, it’s exciting to see young players getting opportunities in the lineup like Elijah Wilkinson at right tackle and now Austin Schlottmann at right guard, although nobody likes injuries and no one wants to see players like Ja’Wuan James or Ron Leary sidelined.

With that said, if Leary is not in the team’s plans beyond this season, it’s good that the Broncos will get a look at Austin Schlottmann, who made the practice squad as an undrafted rookie in 2018 out of TCU and made the 53-man roster this year after a strong camp and preseason.

Surprisingly, Schlottmann is the player in line to get a start at right guard with Leary in concussion protocol all week and Ja’Wuan James hopefully back for some work at right tackle.

The Broncos are going to have Schlottmann take the reps at right guard in place of Leary and Wilkinson will rotate in and out with James, who will not play the entire game according to head coach Vic Fangio.

Wilkinson started for the Broncos some at right guard in Ron Leary’s place last year, and has been working as the team’s swing tackle this season.

Coming out of TCU, Schlottmann was known for his versatility, having played tackle, guard, and center in his time there, and he’ll get a shot with the Broncos to play some significant snaps at right guard.

Schlottmann was working some as a starting guard for the Broncos in preseason play, and the team obviously knew that Leary not playing at some point this season for whatever reason was an option. Leary hasn’t completed a full 16-game slate since he was signed in free agency by the Broncos.

One fun fact about Schlottmann? He was a friend and teammate of Courtland Sutton’s back in their younger years.

One of the big benefits of young guys playing like this down the stretch? It can potentially help the Broncos in terms of future investments and planning.

What if Schlottmann is able to go out there and light it up? It could be the difference between the Broncos prioritizing guard in the draft or free agency and having a young player in-house who is a starting option.

Mike Munchak was brought in from the Steelers not just for his Hall of Fame jacket but because he’s known for developing offensive linemen.

Schlottmann’s development and the confidence the Broncos have in him to help protect their rookie quarterback Drew Lock are clear based on this move. The Broncos are believing more and more in their player development process at every position and that is exciting, even amidst a 4-8 season.