KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Broncos will have a different man at the center of their offensive line Thursday night.
The shoulder injury that landed Luke Wattenberg on the injury report this week will keep him out for the Christmas night game against the Kansas City Chiefs, as the Broncos ruled their recently-re-signed center out for the holiday trip to Arrowhead Stadium.
Wattenberg had played every snap this season, but was listed as not practicing on this week’s three injury reports, which were estimations as the team held walk-through sessions Tuesday and Wednesday and did not practice at all Monday following Sunday’s loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Alex Forsyth is expected to make his first start of the season in place of Wattenberg.
The Broncos also ruled out four other players for Thursday’s game: tight end Nate Adkins, wide receiver Pat Bryant and linebackers Dre Greenlaw and Karene Reid.
Reid remains on injured reserve and has another 13 days remaining in his ramp-up period before the Broncos must make a decision as to whether to move him to the active roster. He was listed with a full practice designation.
Greenlaw injured his hamstring late in Sunday’s loss. Bryant suffered a concussion in the final moments of the game. Adkins incurred a knee injury in the first quarter. None of the three took part in in Tuesday’s walk-through session.
Justin Strnad is expected to start in place of Greenlaw after returning to practice this week following a one-week absence due to a foot injury.
BRONCOS ADD TRAUTMAN TO INJURY LIST
The team also placed tight end Adam Trautman on the injury report due to an illness and listed him with a did-not-practice desgination for Wednesday.
Trautman sounded a bit under the weather when he answered questions after Sunday’s loss, but the Broncos did not place a “questionable” or “out” designation” on him, making him likely to play Thursday night. With Adkins injured, the Broncos will surely need the contributions of the sturdy, versatile sixth-year veteran.
