Broncos sign tackle Tyler Polumbus

As expected - and possibly a sign of panic - the Broncos signed tackle Tyler Polumbus and waived safety Josh Bush today.

The 6-foot-8, 308-pound offensive lineman - who started out with the Broncos in 2008, playing his first two NFL seasons here - will likely be active for Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Broncos are banged up on the offensive line after starting left tackle rookie Ty Sambrailo suffered a shoulder injury against the Lions last weekend. Sambrailo didn't practice Wednesday, and neither he nor Evan Mathis practiced today.

Mathis was out today for his sore hamstring, Kubiak expects him to be back full-go tomorrow. However, the coach said it is realistic Polumbus might play given the injury situation among the offensive linemen.

"I think it has to be realistic because you go week-to-week. We thought Ty [Sambrailo] would maybe be able to do something today. He didn't - hopefully tomorrow," Kubiak said, adding that Polumbus has been actively playing football in a similar scheme , and that's something the Broncos need right now. "He's been in a system where they talk the same verbiage as we talk. I know he's played a lot of football. That's of the utmost importance right now."

Polumbus was released by the Falcons on Tuesday after seeing action in all three regular season games this year with the 3-0 NFC South co-leaders.

Before joining the Falcons this season, the former Colorado Buffalo played three seasons for the Redskins, starting in 39 consecutive games between 2012-14.

Polumbus has started 57 games during his career and has plenty of experience in a zone-blocking offense, having played for Mike Shanahan, ex-offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates, and with Kyle Shanahan in Atlanta.

In his second year with the Broncos, Polumbus started at right tackle in eight games during the 2009 season.

An All-Big 12 Conference performer at CU and a graduate of Cherry Creek High School in Englewood, Colo., Polumbus is one of only 12 players to start a game at the Colorado high school, college and NFL levels.