The Broncos got their first padded practice of training camp on Monday, and the day came with a scare in the middle of the offensive line.
Starting center Luke Wattenberg left practice after going down during a drill and was checked by trainers, according to Zac Stevens. He did not return for the rest of the session.
After practice, Sean Payton offered a reassuring update, saying the team will evaluate Wattenberg but that he thinks “he’ll be fine.”
Wattenberg has become a key piece for Denver since winning the starting center job in 2024. A fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, he appeared and started in 13 games that season, then followed it up by appearing and starting in 15 regular season games in 2025.
His play has made him one of the Broncos’ most important interior linemen. PFF credited him with a 70.9 overall grade in 2025, which ranked ninth among 40 qualified centers, and his 71 pass-blocking grade was 11th at the position. PFF also said he did not allow a sack in 2025.
If Wattenberg needs time, Alex Forsyth is the primary backup and has already filled in well when called upon. Denver also gave Forsyth a major extension during the season, a reflection of how much the team values his intelligence and reliability.
For now, there’s no official word on how serious the injury is. The Broncos will be hoping Payton’s read proves right, because Wattenberg’s presence in the middle of the line matters plenty to what Denver wants to do.
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