BREAKING NEWS:Broncos’ run of continuity ends before finale injure …

admin | January 6, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

The.cos’ run of continuity on the offensive line nearly hit the finish line.

Instead, one Week 18 curveball.

Right tackle Mike McGlinchey on Friday was ruled out for Sunday’s finale against Las Vegas because of an inadvertent shot to the ribs he took against the Chargers from teammate Javonte Williams’ helmet.

Cam Fleming will start at right tackle for McGlinchey while the other four — left tackle Garett Bolles, left guard Ben Powers, center Lloyd Cushenberry and right guard Quinn Meinerz — are each on track to start for the 17th time this year.

“Those guys, we always talk about that group having cohesiveness and it’s a group that is fairly tight,” coach Sean Payton said Friday. “It’s a credit to (them). I would really say that the story is when you watch that group work out. It’s impressive. It’s a credit or testament to their offseason. It’s hard to do in this league.

Overall, it’s been an area that I have been pleased with. It’s uncomfortable lifting how we lift and practicing sometimes, but experience has told me to get ready for games, it’s hard to do if you are not prepping the right way.”

Fleming led Broncos offensive linemen in snaps last year when Denver started 10 different quintets. He re-signed this summer as a swing tackle but was coming off back surgery. He told The Post on Friday it was a blessing in disguise that he wasn’t needed in game action early in the season outside of two snaps late against Miami in Week 3.

Now he gets a start to close out the seaso

“I’m happy any time I get to play,” Fleming said. “We’re definitely lucky. It’s very unusual to have five linemen basically start every game until this coming Sunday. I think we’re all thankful. Everyone’s healthy and everyone’s happy, and also it’s allowed us to become close because we didn’t have anybody coming in or coming out. It’s been the same 12 guys since camp.”

Sutton, Browning return. The Broncos will get a boost in the finale as receiver Courtland Sutton and outside linebacker Baron Browning cleared the concussion protocol and are set to return to action Sunday at Las Vegas.

Wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. is also cleared to play after a hamstring injury, and several others who missed practice time this week, including defensive lineman Mike Purcell and running back Samaje Perine, will be available, too.

Aside from McGlinchey, the only Broncos player to be ruled out is veteran tight end Chris Manhertz, who has missed the whole week of practice due to illness.