Broncos need to turn to pair of unknowns in wake of Mike McGlinchey news

The Denver Broncos are already in a big hole after starting 0-2 on the season and now they will have to dig out of it without starting tackle Mike McGlinchey, at least for a portion of the season.

McGlinchey suffered what is being described as a "significant" MCL sprain during the Broncos' loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, and could miss at least a month.

McGlinchey signed a massive five-year, $87.5 million contract in free agency with the Broncos last offseason. To this point, he hasn't been worth the money. But with him out, the Broncos have a pair of undrafted players who could slide in and make the most of this chance.

Many fans and those in the media will be calling for the Broncos to sign a proven veteran. Names like Billy Turner and Cam Fleming — two guys who have played for the Broncos — are out there. But if they were going to bring one of them in, there would have been no reason to sign Matt Peart this offseason.

Alex Palczewski, Frank Crum should get a look for the Broncos

While Peart could certainly slide into the starting lineup for now, both Alex Palczewski and Frank Crum are players on the active roster who could see some action.

Palczewski was undrafted out of Illinois last season and made the team this summer. His best position may be as a guard but the team has tinkered with him as a swing tackle for this exact situation.

Frank Crum went undrafted out of Wyoming this year and somewhat surprisingly made the 53-man roster outright. He has been a healthy scratch in each of the first two games this season but should be bumped up with McGlinchey out of action.

If the Broncos place McGlinchey on injured reserve — a distinct possibility — it will also free up an additional roster spot.

The Broncos have touted the youth movement they are going through which could lead to the team taking a lot of lumps this season. Putting one of these young players in, even if it's just in certain situations, is something the team should be exploring in order to see what they can provide.

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