:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46420222/usa-today-8359192.0.jpg)
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Denver Broncos Pro Bowl left tackle Ryan Clady has torn his ACL, and is likely done for the year.
Broncos Pro Bowl LT Ryan Clady tore his left ACL during practice Wednesday and is likely to miss the 2015 season, a league source told ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 28, 2015
The reports are that Clady has torn his left ACL, the same one he tore previously.
This is tough news for the Broncos who already had a ton of questions surrounding their offensive line before losing Clady. The tackles currently on the roster are veteran Chris Clark, second year player Michael Schofield, rookie Ty Sambrailo, and a handful of other undrafted rookies.
The only replacement for Clady on the roster currently is Chris Clark. He replaced Clady during the Broncos Super Bowl run in 2013. Michael Schofield could compete for the left tackle job, but he's only taken a handful of reps at the position this offseason. Rookie Ty Sambrailo played left tackle in college, but he fits better at right tackle. So it will be interesting to see what they do here going forward.
The Broncos could look to the free agent market now with Clady being sidelined for the year. Some names available are Jake Long, Nate Garner, Ryan Harris, and Anthony Collins.
Ryan Clady was our 41st ranked OT last year, allowed 32 total pressures. Not what he once was. Loss not insurmountable
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) May 28, 2015
This is obviously tough news for a team that already has issues along the offensive line, and has an immobile 39 year old quarterback to protect. Hopefully Gary Kubiak can work his magic on the offensive line and/or John Elway can somehow find a replacement via trade or free agency.
Go Broncos!