ENGLEWOOD, Colo — The 2023 Broncos are still one of only six teams in franchise history to start the same five offensive linemen in the first 16 games of a regular season.
The problem is, there are now 17 games in an NFL regular season. And the 17th game got right tackle Mike McGlinchey. He has been ruled out with a ribs injury for the season finale Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Cam Fleming, a 15-game starter for the Broncos last year, will get his first start of the season against the Raiders.
“It’s time to work. We’ve been lucky enough to have healthy guys, and I’ve been doing my best to support them,’’ Fleming said.
The other Broncos’ teams that started the same five offensive linemen in every game were in 2011 (Te-bow!), 2008 (Peyton Hillis), 2005 (Jake the Snake, Mike Anderson-Tatum Bell), 1995 (some rookie named Terrell Davis) and 1979 (Morton to Upchurch and Moses).
“I read that, and I thought, No. 1 — and I will be honest with you, we’ve had our fair share of injuries, but not a lot,’’ Broncos head coach Sean Payton said, just missing becoming the Broncos’ first offensive line since the 2011 group to start the same five all season.
“Our offseason — there is a lot that goes into that, and I think that is good," Payton said. "Those guys, we always talk about that group having cohesiveness, and it’s a group that is fairly tight. It’s a credit to their — I would really say that the story is when you watch that group workout, it’s impressive. It’s a credit or testament to their offseason. It’s hard to do in this league. Overall, it’s been an area that I have been pleased with. It’s uncomfortable lifting how we lift and practice sometimes, but experience has told me to get ready for games, it's hard to if you are not prepping the right way.”
Sutton hits $100,000 incentive; Trautman close
Payton said Friday the final regular game is when he either checks how close a player may be to reaching an incentive in his contract, or hears from the player himself that he needs x yards to receive a $ dollars. As the offensive play caller, Payton does what he can within reason to help the player, even though incentives and bonuses count against the salary cap.
“I would say to you it’s money well-spent, as opposed to well-saved, relative to your team, your locker room, everything else,’’ Payton said.
He referred to 2020, when former Bronco-turned-New Orleans Saint receiver Emmanuel Sanders needed four catches to reach an incentive.
“Emmanuel is pretty sharp,’’ Payton said. “He finds this tactful time, ‘Coach, can I see you?’ I said, ‘Emmanuel, I know why you are here. You are going to have four catches before the end of the first quarter. It’s going into a 529 plan — it’s half a million dollars. And you are staying in the game. I’m going to make your tongue drag.’ I think he had nine catches for (63) yards.’’
Payton then gave the local media a strong hint as to a Broncos player in line to reach an incentive in the final game.
“We have one specific one — I’m not going to tell you who, I’ll tell you after next week," he said. "This is a little challenging for me, but there’s one going into this game that I’m working on. Just a little bit more difficult than Emmanuel’s four catches. I’ll just say that.”
9NEWS took the dare. Our research found receiver Courtland Sutton already received a $100,000 incentive when he hauled in his 10th touchdown reception four weeks ago against the Los Angeles Chargers. He would have made another $100,000 if he had 10 touchdown catches and the Broncos made the playoffs.
The player and incentive possibility Payton may be referring to is tight end Adam Trautman. He has three touchdown receptions this year, and if he gets to four, he will make an extra $100,000 bonus.
Bronco Bits
Besides McGlinchey, the Broncos will also play without blocking tight end Chris Manhertz against the Raiders. He’s been out all week with an illness. …
The Broncos will begin to sign many, if not most, of their practice squad players to future contracts for the 2024 season on Monday and Tuesday.
“This is the time of year where they’re coming after yours and you’re going after theirs, practice squad if you have a spot,’’ Payton said. “George (Paton, Broncos’ general manager) and I visit all the time. This is our mini version of the portal, where others are trying to grab a young player that they may have a roster spot for. It starts in-house with your own guys, and then periodically, you look, or you may bring one of your own.”
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