The Denver Broncos now need a new backup plan at center after Dan Koppen tore an ACL on Sunday in practice.
He was Denver’s starter last year after J.D. Walton was lost for the season last September. It was disclosed earlier this offseason that Walton will be out at least until November. Koppen was then re-signed but is now done for the year.
The center market is thin and the team will likely turn to Manny Ramirez. He is a natural guard, but he was working with the first-team offense at center in the offseason program. So he at least has some rhythm with Peyton Manning.
The team signed Steve Vallos on Sunday. The veteran will be a backup. I’d also expect Denver to scour the waiver wire late in training camp, but because center is such an important position, Denver may have to roll with Ramirez.
In other AFC West news:
The San Diego Chargers added some depth to a thin secondary by signing William Middleton. He spent the past four seasons in Jacksonville and has a chance to be a rotational player.
The Kansas City Star reports that guard Jeff Allen likely won’t be out long after he injured his shoulder on Saturday. He is vying with Geoff Schwartz for a starting job.
Houston has interest in linebacker Joe Mays. Denver cut him last week.
