The Denver Broncos are getting healthy at just the right time - and not a moment too soon, with the AFC Championship against the New England Patriots on deck.
On Saturday, the team made a handful of key roster moves that could have a real impact on Sunday’s matchup. Most notably, starting center Luke Wattenberg has been activated from injured reserve after missing the last four games with a shoulder injury.
Wattenberg had been a rock in the middle of Denver’s offensive line, playing every snap through Week 16 before going down against Jacksonville. His return isn’t just good news - it’s huge.
This offensive line has been a strength all season, earning top marks from Pro Football Focus, and now it’s back at full strength for the biggest game of the year.
The timing couldn’t be better. With a trip to the Super Bowl on the line, having your starting center - the guy who anchors the protection and helps set the tone up front - back in the lineup is a major boost for both the run game and pass protection. Expect Denver to lean on that O-line early and often.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t all good news for the Broncos. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix was placed on injured reserve after suffering a broken ankle in last week’s overtime win over Buffalo.
He underwent surgery earlier this week and will miss the rest of the postseason. It’s a tough break for the 25-year-old, who had shown poise and flashes of big-play ability down the stretch.
Nix’s absence will shift the spotlight onto the rest of the quarterback room as Denver looks to keep its playoff run alive.
To bolster the receiving corps, the Broncos also elevated wideouts Michael Bandy and Elijah Moore from the practice squad. Bandy, 28, has already seen action in four games this season, hauling in four catches and a touchdown. He’s a depth piece with some chemistry in the system - a reliable option if called upon.
Moore, 25, hasn’t suited up for Denver yet, but he’s no stranger to the Patriots. He’s faced them during his time with the Jets, Browns, and Bills, so he brings a bit of familiarity with New England’s defense. That kind of experience, even from a practice squad elevation, could come in handy in a high-stakes game where every snap matters.
The Patriots made a few roster moves of their own, but for Denver, the headline is clear: the offensive line gets its leader back, and the team is doing what it can to stay flexible on offense after losing its young quarterback. With the stakes as high as they get, the Broncos are rolling into Sunday with reinforcements - and plenty of motivation.