Denver Broncos backup offensive lineman Nick Gargiulo suffered a season-ending ACL injury in a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday, coach Sean Payton confirmed after Tuesday’s practice.
“Nick, we put on reserve injured,” Payton said. “That’s an ACL and a pretty significant injury and season-ending, so that’s a tough loss.”
Gargiulo (6-5, 310 pounds) was carted off the field in the third quarter of Saturday’s 27-7 preseason win and he was placed on injured reserve on Sunday. Gargiulo, a seventh-round draft pick last year, had been competing for a backup swing guard/center role this summer.
Elsewhere on the injury front, the list of players who did not practice Tuesday included fullback Michael Burton (hamstring), cornerback Damarri Mathis (undisclosed), cornerback Reese Taylor (hamstring) and defensive lineman Kristian Williams (undisclosed). After practice, Payton indicated Mathis is “fine” and will be back on the field soon.
And the good news: Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto (foot), inside linebacker Dre Greenlaw (quad), wide receiver A.T. Perry (ankle) and cornerback Joshua Pickett (wrist/thumb) were back at practice.
After losing tight end/fullback Nate Adkins (ankle), Payton said Denver will “pay attention” to the tight end waiver wire once roster cuts begin next week. Adkins was one of the team’s best blocking tight ends and a capable fullback, so the Broncos will be in the market to find a short-term replacement in the coming days.
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