Franklin: Expect the Broncos to run more following Garcia injury

With reports guard Max Garcia will miss the remainder of the season with an ACL tear, expect the Denver Broncos to run the ball more against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, says 104.3 The Fan’s Orlando Franklin.

Franklin, who joined “Pritchard and Cecil” as the news of Garcia’s injury broke, said it’ll be easier to run the ball with a slew of new offensive linemen filling in due to injuries.

“With this injury to Max Garcia, they’re going to have to run the football,” Franklin said. “You can’t sit back there and go backward and make these guys pass block.

With guard Ron Leary and center Matt Paradis out for the season already, Garcia makes the third Broncos starting offensive lineman down for the remainder of 2018.

While heading into a battle with a strong Chargers defensive line might make for a long day for the Broncos, Franklin indicated it’s not all doom and gloom for Denver on Sunday.

“I’m excited for it because you’ve got two running backs in that backfield who are very dynamic running backs. They are explosive players that you want to see get more touches,” Franklin said.

Also, a silver lining is the location of the matchup: the StubHub Center in Carson, California, which hold just 27,000 fans.

“Although it’s a big blow, although it sucks, it’s a great thing that they’re playing the Chargers in this little stadium this week. It’s a great thing about Broncos Country traveling well. So, you’re going to be able to hear a little bit,” Franklin said. “Man, if they were playing in a place like Seattle this week, they would be in for a long day.”

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.