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With less than 25 days before the start of training camp, Denver Broncos borderline All Pro center Matt Paradis has been medically cleared to begin practicing according to KUSA's Mike Klis.
Paradis had arguably the best season of any center in the NFL in 2017, but was outshined by Travis Frederick as he paved the way for then rookie running back Ezekiel Elliot to also be voted in as an All Pro.
Paradis will relieve second year offensive lineman Connor McGovern, McGovern practiced with the first team offense throughout OTAs and minicamps.
Great news for @two_dice & the #Broncos. Leader of the offensive line & arguably the offense. https://t.co/w4MJFdJaf5
— Ian St. Clair (@IanStClair) July 5, 2017
Paradis was Denver's pick for the Ed Block Courage Award, played every offensive snap and was voted as a Pro Bowl alternate in 2016. As Klis notes, Paradis did not practice following week 10 of the 2016 season. The fourth year center had arthroscopic surgery on his right hip in January and on his left hip in February.
He will join a much revamped offensive line, with only left guard Max Garcia as a familiar face in a familiar position. There is a three-way race for left tackle between Ty Sambrailo, rookie Garett Bolles and Donald Stephenson. Denver completely overhauled the right side of their offensive line this offseason signing right tackle Menelik Watson and right guard Ron Leary.
It is still possible that Paradis does not play in preseason and continues a gradual pace towards returning to live repetitions and the first team.