The Broncos haven’t missed a beat since losing left tackle Ryan Clady for the season, but they’d still probably prefer not to try their luck without their starting right tackle as well.
Orlando Franklin left Sunday’s victory over the Jaguars in the third quarter and didn’t return to the game, leaving the Broncos to move Louis Vazquez from guard to what’s believed to be his first experience at tackle at the collegiate or professional level.
Jeff Legworld of ESPN.com reports that Franklin was diagnosed with a sprained ankle and possible MCL sprain after initial assessments by the medical staff. He’ll go for an MRI and other tests on Monday to see how bad the damage might be, leading quarterback Peyton Manning to say that the team had “fingers crossed” that the right tackle wouldn’t be out of the lineup too long.
The Broncos turned to former starter Chris Kuper at right guard after the injury and could keep that lineup in place if Franklin misses time. They could also opt for former Eagle Winston Justice, who was inactive on Sunday.