Denver Broncos starting guard gets good injury news after scare

Denver Broncos fans were holding their breath on Sunday afternoon, as they awaited news of starting guard Ben Powers.

Powers was injured on the very first season of the team’s preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts . The guard was attempting to bring down Colts DB Kenny Moore, who had picked off a pass bobbled by Broncos RB Samaje Perine and was running the other way.

Powers collided awkwardly with Perine as the two attempted to bring down Moore, and took a shot in his ribs that caused him to be looked at by the training staff. Powers came back in on the offense’s next series, but it was clear he was in some pain.

Fortunately, X-rays came back negative on Powers, meaning he escaped a serious injury that will sideline him for the long haul.

The team may decide to keep Powers out of practice for a few days, especially given the Green Bay Packers are coming to town for joint practices at the end of the week. Those sessions always take on a more physical tone than regular training camp practices, and the coaching staff may want to slow-play Powers’ return to ensure he’s ready for the regular season.

Broncos fans can breathe a sigh of relief that Powers’ injury was not more severe. Backup linemen like guard  Calvin Throckmorton played well for the team against the Colts’ backups on Sunday, but if the Broncos are planning to start rookie QB Bo Nix in Week 1, they’ll be best served by putting their best five players along the offensive line on the field, including Powers.