Broncos Confirm RT Mike McGlinchey Suffered Knee Sprain
On Tuesday evening, 9NEWS' Mike Klis reported that Denver Broncos right tackle Mike McGlinchey sustained a sprained knee during training camp practice and is expected to miss 2-3 weeks — back in time for the Sept. 10 regular-season opener against Las Vegas.
On Wednesday afternoon, Broncos head coach Sean Payton confirmed the report.
"It's a knee sprain. We'll keep [the media] abreast, but it's all good," Payton said, intimating that the prognosis could have been far worse.
It certainly looked worse. McGlinchey was forced out of Tuesday's practice after a player rolled up his leg in 9-on-7 drills. He was taken to the locker room for examination and did not return, sparking concern over a potentially serious injury.
Denver's biggest free-agent prize this offseason, McGlinchey, 28, was handed a five-year, $87.5 million contract with the hope of stabilizing a position that's long haunted the organization. A former first-round pick, he defected to the Mile High City following five seasons in San Francisco, establishing himself among the NFL's premier run-blocking tackles.
Although primary swing tackle Cam Fleming is considered the next man up on the depth chart, it was fifth-year veteran Isaiah Prince who replaced McGlinchey amid Wednesday's practice. Prince proceeded to spring a huge hole for running back Javonte Williams, leveling outside linebacker Randy Gregory in the process.
In addition to Fleming and Prince, undrafted rookie OTs Demontrey Jacobs and Alex Palczewski are slated to see increased preseason reps with McGlinchey out of commission.
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