The Denver Broncos have rolled through two opponents, the Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants, to kick off the 2013 season but they've lost a crucial piece already.
Ryan Clady, Denver's Pro Bowl-caliber left tackle responsible for manning Peyton Manning's blind side is done for the season after suffering a Lisfranc joint tear in his left foot. The Broncos have placed him on injured reserve since he will require surgery to repair the damage.
He will be replaced by Chris Clark Monday night when the Broncos face off against the Oakland Raiders, and the team has signed veteran lineman Winston Justice to fill Clady's roster spot.
Dave Magazu, the Broncos' offensive line coach, praised Clark in the wake of Clady's devastating injury and doesn't expect the hit to the line to be too severe.
"You're not going to replace him, but Chris Clark did a great job all spring and in the preseason, so he's had plenty of work," Magazu said. "It's not like he's going in unprepared or not knowing what's going on. So everybody should feel comfortable [and] go with the mentality next guy up and let's go to work."
The loss of Clady is brutal, given how much Denver has relied on the passing game these past two weeks. Manning has racked up 769 passing yards already to go with a whopping nine touchdowns, including a career-high seven in the season opener.
This news hits after starting center Dan Koppen was lost for the year in the preseason due to a torn ACL, and his backup, J.D. Walton, also suffered a season-ending injury. Those maladies forced Manny Ramirez to shift over from guard and assume the central spot of a Peyton Manning offensive line.
In addition, on defense Von Miller still has four more games remaining on his substance abuse suspension, while Champ Bailey is battling foot issues.
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