The Denver Broncos’ pursuit of the No. 1 seed in their conference became a little more complicated Thursday.
Rather than waking up to presents under their Christmas tree, the Broncos confirmed what could ultimately be a season-ending injury for starting center Luke Wattenberg.
Denver Broncos’ Playoff Aspirations Take a Hit As Luke Wattenberg Sustains Injury
Wattenberg, one of the Broncos’ fifth-round picks in 2022 and their starting center for the past two seasons, was placed on injured reserve Thursday, just hours before their scheduled game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Not only will the move sideline him for the Broncos’ final two regular-season games, but he will also miss the first two playoff games.
Wattenberg sustained a shoulder injury in Sunday’s loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars and was ruled out for Week 17 on Wednesday.
The Broncos are tied with the New England Patriots for the best record in the AFC, with both teams sitting at 12-3. The Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Chargers, and Buffalo Bills are close behind, all holding 11-4 records as the season enters its final stretch.
If the Broncos are able to secure the No. 1 seed, they would earn a first-round bye and home-field advantage. However, that would also mean the earliest Wattenberg could return to the lineup would be the Super Bowl, should Denver advance that far.
Wattenberg is fresh off signing a four-year, $48 million extension with the Broncos last month, according to Spotrac. He was scheduled to enter unrestricted free agency this spring, but the team opted to lock him into a long-term deal instead.
At an average of $12 million per year, the 28-year-old Wattenberg is the sixth-highest-paid center in the league. His contract includes $13.4 million in guaranteed money.
Broncos to Turn to Backup Center
As of now, the Broncos plan to start Alex Forsyth at center in place of Wattenberg. Forsyth is a 2023 seventh-round pick who has appeared in 32 games over the past three seasons.
As of now, the Broncos plan to start Alex Forsyth at center in place of Wattenberg. Forsyth is a 2023 seventh-round pick who has appeared in 32 games over the past three seasons.
Throckmorton went undrafted out of Oregon in 2020 and has bounced around the league. He spent three seasons with the New Orleans Saints before time on the Carolina Panthers’ and Tennessee Titans’ practice squads. He signed with the Broncos in the spring of 2024.
