Some damaging news coming from Denver as the Broncos continue their offseason program. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, All-Pro left tackle Ryan Clady suffered a torn ACL during practice on Wednesday and will likely miss the entire 2015 season.
The Broncos later confirmed Schefter’s report:
#Broncos OT Ryan Clady likely to miss 2015 season with torn left ACL suffered during Wednesday’s practice. pic.twitter.com/0FuLtzcW3I
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) May 28, 2015
Clady, a four-time Pro Bowler, started all 16 games this past season, all at left tackle. The 28-year-old offensive lineman is considered one of the best players at his position in the NFL.
However, injuries have started to impact his career big time. He missed all but two games during the 2013 season after suffering a Lisfranc injury in Week 2. While the Broncos were able to overcome that injury to win the AFC, this is a major blow to the current team.
With Clady out of action, the expectation has to be that Chris Clark will move from right tackle to protect Peyton Manning’s blindside. Barring an acquisition of a starter-caliber tackle, rookie Ty Sambrailo and second-year player Michael Schofield should battle it out for the other starting job.
Remember, Denver lost starting guard Orlando Franklin to the division-rival San Diego Chargers in free agency. This means that the team will be without its two best offensive linemen from the previous couple years when the 2015 season comes calling.
That’s a less-than-ideal scenario for Manning and company.
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