Two important players on the Denver Broncos’ offense are not traveling with the team to London for next week’s game against the New York Jets — and for one, the reason is concerning.
The Broncos shared that both backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham and starting left guard Ben Powers are not on the plane tonight. The team was required to divulge the info per NFL policy about international trips.
Powers has been sent back to Denver because of a left bicep issue. He played in every snap of the Broncos’ 21-17 comeback win against the Philadelphia Eagles. The team did not share how bad Powers’ injury was, but the trip back to Colorado instead of to Europe puts his status in question going forward.
Meanwhile, Bo Nix’s backup, Stidham, is expected to meet the Broncos in London next week. He and his wife are expecting their third child this week. Stidham could be back in time for Denver’s normal practice routine, which begins on Wednesday. If he’s not, it could mean some reps for third-stringer Sam Ehlinger, who had a nice preseason.
Powers would be a serious loss. The 28-year-old has played in all 35 games for the Broncos since signing a four-year deal worth $52 million ahead of the 2023 season. He’s been key in remaking Denver’s offensive line into one of the strongest units in the NFL. So far, Powers, Garett Bolles, Quinn Meinerz, Mike McGlinchey and Luke Wattenberg have started every game, and the group all started more than 13 games each last season as well. Pass protection has been very important for Sean Payton’s offense, built around the youngster Nix.
Alex Palczewski was first up when McGlinchey faced an issue during the game. But that was on the right side. Over on the left side, Matt Peart has gotten some action. Denver could also ask Alex Forsyth or practice squader Calvin Throckmorton to fill in for Powers.
