Sean Payton says it’s next man up following Ben Powers injury

The offensive line has been dominant for Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos to start the season. Through five games, they’ve allowed just five sacks and have been one of the top units in the league, thanks to the chemistry that has been built between the big guys up front.

That unit took a big hit in Sunday’s win over Philadelphia, as left guard Ben Powers suffered a biceps injury that resulted in him undergoing surgery and heading to IR. The hope is for him to be back by December, but that’s a difficult injury for an offensive lineman to return from in the season. Since the team acquired him in 2023, he’s started all 40 games for the team, so it will be uncharted territory for Payton’s squad.

“With a starting player… it’s never any good, and yet, the next guy’s up and we’ll get ready to play him,” Payton said after Broncos practice from London on Wednesday.

Powers’ absence opens the door for either Alex Palczewski or Matt Peart to step up to the plate. Palczewski has seen plenty of action this season as the sixth offensive lineman — which the Empower Field at Mile High crowd has loved — while Peart was brought back this offseason on a two-year deal to be a backup. Payton had good things to say about him, but wouldn’t commit to Peart being the backup.

“We’ll see,” Payton said when asked if Peart would step up in place of Powers. “We had the player originally [the 2024 season]. We know exactly what we’re getting, and we’ll see how we handle the guard position.”

Palczewski is officially listed as the backup to Powers on Denver’s depth chart — along with being Quinn Meinerz’ backup at right guard — while Peart is listed as the backup to Garett Bolles at left tackle. No official word has been given on who Sean Payton will give the nod to.

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