Broncos suffer double injury blow as Bo Nix is left without key protection up front and defense takes significant hit after Jets win
The Denver Broncos are going to be a bit shorthanded for the foreseeable future. Ahead of the team's 13-11 victory over the New York Jets in London, the team lost guard Ben Powers to injured reserve , forcing fellow guard Matt Peart to fill in with Powers' absence.
I was critical of Peart's performance, and owe an apology for being so after the information from Mike Klis from 9News reported. Peart played in every snap for the Broncos in the victory, much like Powers, but it's been reported that Peart played while injured the entire time. A ferocious effort from Peart, but he will now be sidelined for at least the next four games.
Denver is without a key protector and playmaker for quarterback Bo Nix and the offense. Offensive linemen's importance cannot be overstated.
The Denver Broncos promoted guard Calvin Throckmorton to the active roster in Peart's absence, while signing defensive back J.T. Gray from the Ravens' practice squad
Peart isn't the only player placed on injured reserve
Linebacker Garrett Wallow was also placed on injured reserve, a blow for Denver's special teams unit. He's appeared in 90 special teams snaps (22 kick return, 24 kick coverage, 23 punt return, and 21 in punt coverage).
He's 214th in the NFL with a 68.5 grade on special teams, according to Pro Football Focus.
The team added a linebacker and offensive tackle on the day as well, with the official personnel notice showing that the team signed outside linebacker Garrett Nelson and tackle Karsen Barnhart to the practice squad.
Nelson had spent time with Denver during training camp and the preseason, a welcome addition back to the team. For Barnhart, the team brought in four offensive linemen for tryouts after the unit was ravaged by injuries in back-to-back weeks.
It's been one injury after another for Denver, even dating back to training camp, with linebacker Dre Greenlaw still not able to compete. With Peart and Powers sidelined, the Broncos will need some immediate chemistry from their new additions to make sure Bo Nix stays upright and the offense keeps rolling.
Leno Opens Up About Life-Changing Moment After Wife’s Miscarriage: "Football No Longer My Priority, Family Comes First"
In an emotional revelation, football player Leno shared a deeply personal moment that changed his perspective on life and the game. On October 15, 2023, as he was preparing for a game against the Atlanta Falcons, Leno received devastating news: his wife, Jen, had suffered a miscarriage, losing their fourth daughter, Paitynn.
The heartbreaking news shook Leno to his core and forced him to reevaluate his priorities. “It was one of those moments that completely stops you in your tracks,” Leno said in a recent interview. “I’ve always been passionate about football, but when I heard what happened, I realized that my priorities needed to shift. My family is everything to me, and that’s where my focus has to be now.”
Leno, known for his dedication to the game, acknowledged that his devotion to football had often taken precedence over family time. However, the loss of his daughter served as a painful reminder of what truly matters in life. “Football had always been my passion, but at that moment, I understood that it wasn’t everything. The most important thing is being there for my wife and children. I have to be present for them, especially now,” Leno explained.
The impact of the miscarriage has been profound for Leno and his family, as they navigate through their grief together. Although football has been a central part of his life, Leno made it clear that his focus has shifted, and he’s now placing greater importance on his role as a husband and father.
“I’ve been blessed to play the game I love, but nothing compares to being with my family in times like these,” Leno said. “I’ve learned that life is fragile, and I need to make sure I’m there for them, no matter what.”
As Leno continues to process the loss, he is taking time to evaluate his future both on and off the field. The experience has given him a new outlook on what truly matters, and he is committed to being there for his loved ones during this difficult time.
“I’m just trying to take things one day at a time and be there for my family,” Leno concluded. “Football will always be a part of my life, but right now, my family is my priority.”
