With both Ben Powers and Matt Peart on the injured reserve, the Denver Broncos appear to be turning to versatile backup guard/tackle Alex Palczewski to be the starting left guard this Sunday vs. the Giants.
Starting left tackle Garett Bolles confirmed as much today when he told reporters that “Palcho is up to the challenge,” and that he will be there for him and protect him as much as he can.
Since joining the Broncos as an undrafted free agent back in 2023, Alex Palczewski has turned himself into a valuable member of the offensive line. While he is not a starter, he is a key reserve at guard and tackle and has played well in limited opportunities. Last season, he had three starts at right tackle for the Broncos while Mike McGlinchey was injured and again, played fairly well all things considered.
Now, this will be his first start at left guard for the Broncos, but Palczewski has shown he can handle himself in these situations. Last week, the team turned to swing tackle Matt Peart to get the start at left guard, but he suffered a knee injury early in the game, played through it, and landed on the IR earlier this week. Now, Palczewski, who has seen snaps at right tackle this season and as an extra blocker in jumbo packages, will get the start.
He will be tested early against a very talented New York Giants defensive line. If he does struggle, the team has veteran reserve Calvin Throckmorton on the 53-man roster as insurance. However, with the trade deadline approaching, I could see the Broncos exploring the market for some offensive line depth if Palczewski does indeed struggle.
Also, with Palczewskiow starting at left guard and Matt Peart on the IR, look for second-year tackle Frank Crum to be the Broncos’ swing tackle moving forward. The developmental tackle has been inactive most weeks but may get the nod this week with Peart out and Palczewski at left guard. I would also assume that he would remain the backup right tackle, and would slide over there if McGlinchey got hurt, and Throckmorton would then fill in at left guard.
With Powers and Peart out, the Broncos’ offensive line depth is being tested and will face a tough Giants front seven this Sunday. Hopefully, Palczewski and everyone else can step up, and the Broncos can improve their win streak to 4 games.
