Broncos' J.D. Walton out Until Late October at Best, Could Miss Season

Broncos' J.D. Walton out until late October at best, could miss season

By Jeff Legwold The Denver Post June 19, 2013

A battered Broncos offensive line has taken another hit.

Broncos center J.D. Walton had surgery on his left ankle Monday to replace some of the hardware that was originally put in place after he fractured and dislocated the ankle Sept. 30 in Denver's 37-6 victory over the Oakland Raiders.

Three sources said Wednesday that Walton had the procedure just days after he had participated on a limited basis in some of the technique drills during the Broncos minicamp last week. The Broncos have some optimism Walton could return to practice by late October or early November.

In the worst-case scenario, however, Walton could miss the season if he encounters any additional complications during his rehab. Right guard Chris Kuper has experienced similar difficulties in his return from a fractured and dislocated ankle, which he suffered in the 2011 regular-season finale.

Kuper has had multiple surgeries on the ankle, including after the 2012 season, and did not participate in the Broncos' offseason program. Walton, Kuper and left tackle Ryan Clady are all starters up front still trying to come back from offseason surgeries.

Manny Ramirez worked at center with the starting offense through the Broncos' organized team activities and minicamp. He would enter training camp as a starter, but it is possible the Broncos would now reach out to Dan Koppen.

Koppen, who will turn 34 in September, started 12 regular-season games along with the Broncos' playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens last season. He is an unrestricted free agent who remains unsigned.

Until his injury against the Raiders last season, Walton had played all but one snap in the first 37½ games of his NFL career. Walton was a third-round pick by the Broncos in the 2010 draft and was put into the starting lineup almost immediately.

This season was to be the final year of Walton's original four-year contract — he is slated to have a $1.323 million base salary this season — and he would be an unrestricted free agent at season's end. He will begin training camp on the physically unable to perform list.

Peyton Manning supports Pat Summitt Foundation by doing Alzheimer's ad

The Associated Press June 20, 2013

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Peyton Manning and Kara Lawson are taking part in a new commercial due out nationally this fall hoping to bring awareness to Alzheimer's disease and support the Pat Summitt Foundation's push to find a cure. Lawson filmed her scenes in the Lady Vols' locker room on the Tennessee campus Monday, while Manning shot his portion Tuesday at Neyland Stadium in the locker room named for the quarterback. Summitt, who stepped down as the Tennessee women's basketball coach in April 2012, months after announcing she had early- onset dementia (Alzheimer's type), stopped by each session. J.D. Walton reportedly might miss Broncos' season

Chris Wesseling NFL.com June 19, 2013

Denver Broncos center J.D. Walton missed all but four games last season after fracturing his ankle in late September. There's now a chance he will miss the 2013 season after undergoing additional surgery on the same ankle last week, reports Jeff Legwold of The Denver Post.

The Broncos are still holding out hope that Walton will return by November in a best-case scenario, but they have to be prepared for a season-long absence.

The loss of Walton is not a major blow to the Broncos' Super Bowl chances, as the offense hit its stride with veteran Dan Koppen taking over the pivot from October through the end of the season.

Koppen, 34 in September, drew little interest on the free-agent market and remains unsigned. The Broncos figure to kick his tires, but they have other options as well. Veteran right guard Chris Kuper was billed as a potential cap casualty after the addition of Louis Vasquez in free agency. He might now be a necessity.

If the coaches opt not to try Kuper or left guard Zane Beadles at center, 2012 fourth-round draft pick Philip Blake and long-time backup Manny Ramirez would move into the spotlight.

Whatever route the Broncos go, the blocking will be fine as long as they have the league's preeminent pre-snap quarterback solving a heavily camouflaged defense at the line of scrimmage. Peyton Manning won't have starting center until at least November

Lindsay H. Jones USA TODAY June 20, 2013

Denver Broncos center J.D. Walton encountered a significant setback in his recovery from a dislocated ankle he suffered early last season.

The team confirmed Walton had surgery Monday to replace the hardware in his ankle after doctors discovered an infection.

The surgery means Walton will spend training camp on the Broncos' physically unable to perform list, and won't be able to practice until at least mid-October. Barring another setback, Walton could be cleared to play by November.

Walton played every snap for the Broncos after he was drafted in the third round in 2010 until he suffered the dislocated ankle Sept. 30, 2012 against the Oakland Raiders. He was replaced for the rest of the year by veteran Dan Koppen, a long- time starter for the New England Patriots.

Koppen is currently a free agent.

Walton participated in stretching and conditioning drills with his teammates during the Broncos' mandatory minicamp last week. It was after the conclusion of camp that doctors found the infection.

With Walton out, Manny Ramirez, a guard in college and his first five seasons in the NFL, has worked at center with Peyton Manning and the first-team offense. The Broncos drafted a center, Philip Blake, in the fourth round in 2012, but he spent all but the first week of his rookie year on injured reserve because of a thumb injury.

Walton's setback is another blow to an ailing offensive line. Veteran guard Chris Kuper needed another ankle surgery after the season and has been unable to participate in offseason workouts. Left tackle Ryan Clady, who has yet to sign his franchise tender, had surgery on his shoulder in January. Had Clady been under contract this spring, he also would have been sidelined during organized team activities or minicamp. Wes Welker With Boomer & Carton: No Shame In Hair Plugs Ex-Patriots Receiver: No, I Don't Think Brady Got 'Em

CBS New York June 20, 2013

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – There’s no shame in Wes Welker’s game.

The Denver Broncos wide receiver revealed in 2012 that he underwent a hair- restoration procedure while with the New England Patriots . And he’s still “absolutely” proud of it.

“I don’t understand why people are so ashamed of doing it,” Welker told WFAN co- hosts Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton on Thursday. “It’s funny because a lot of guys give me a hard time about it, and then all thhe sudden they’ll pull me aside and be like, ‘Hey, uh, what’s the number of that doctor, um, to get that procedure done?’ “

There have long been whispers about Patriots quarterback Tom Brady possibly getting hair plugs. Welker took on the vital topic..

“You know what, he tells me he didn’t,” Welker said of his former teammate. “And I tend to believe him. I think he caught it early and has been able to prolong it. But yeah, he says he hasn’t.”

There was some football talk, too.

Welker left Brady behind in New England during the offseason, signing a two-year deal with the Broncos. He talked about being lucky enough to go from one Hall of Fame quarterback to another in Peyton Manning.

“They’re so similar,” he said. “They’re both magicians back there. They keep people accountable. The great leaders across the board, it’s a lot of the traits that you want in your quarterback , and that’s why they’re so successful.” Wes Welker: Patriots didn't underestimate my value

Kevin Patra NFL.com June 20, 2013

Wes Welker is back in New England.

The Pro Bowl wide receiver was in Boston on Wednesday for an event to show off the hair transplant he received last July. During the visit he talked with reporters about his move from the Patriots to the Denver Broncos.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft said during contract negotiations that Welker's agent had "way overvalued" the receiver's worth. On Wednesday, Welker told reporters he didn't feel the Patriots undervalued him as a player.

"No, not at all," Welker said, per the Boston Herald. "Unfortunately, it's the business side of football and as a player you understand it. So, you just move on and look toward the future."

Welker wouldn't comment on former teammate Aaron Hernandez's situation, but did say he keeps in touch with Tom Brady and admitted getting sentimental about being back to the city he called home for six seasons.

"It made me a little bit sad," Welker said, per CSNNE.com. "(I) had so many years here and such a great time but you know you (don't try to think about it too much) just look to the future and hope for the best."

Welker will join Dan Hanzus today on the ATL Debate Club podcast to discuss these issues and more. Check back later today to listen to the entire interview. Wes Welker vs. Victor Cruz: Which slot receiver is tops in NFL?

By Bucky Brooks NFL.com June 18, 2013

The need to diversify the passing game to combat Tampa 2 coverage has made the slot receiver a valuable weapon for offensive coordinators around the NFL. Astute play callers frequently align their top receiver in the slot to take advantage of favorable matchups against linebackers and sub-defenders, creating opportunities for quarterbacks to make high-percentage throws over the middle of the field.

For years, slot men were type-cast as diminutive playmakers who had exceptional quickness and ball skills but lacked the traits of a classic No. 1 receiver. Their value was further diminished by the fact that coaches would often only deploy three- receiver sets on third downs. However, the gradual transformation of the NFL into a passing league has resulted in more teams using open formations, with three or more receivers on the field on most downs. As a result, the slot receiver has become a key player in most offensive game plans.

The Denver Broncos' Wes Welker is the quintessential slot receiver, with a dynamic game built on quickness, toughness and guile. The former undrafted free agent has led the NFL in receptions three times, topping the 100-catch mark in five of the past six seasons. Welker has 672 receptions since 2007 -- the most in the NFL in that span. His rise to prominence with the New England Patriots simultaneously boosted the profile of his position, sparking several teams to look for their own slot man.

The New York Giants discovered their ideal slot receiver in another former undrafted free agent: Victor Cruz. As Eli Manning's top target, the Pro Bowler has quickly become one of the most productive playmakers in the NFL. Cruz is the only player in Giants' history with at least 80 receptions, 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns in a season. Remarkably, he reached those benchmarks in back-to- back seasons, in the process establishing himself as one of the league's best slot receivers.

I thought this would be a great time to study both Welker and Cruz, in an attempt to determine which player is the standard-bearer at the position, so I popped in a few game tapes. Here's how I think they compare in several key areas:

Route running While the art of route running is paramount to the success of all receivers, it is particularly so for slot receivers, who must utilize a wide array of stems and releases to create separation from defenders at the line. They also need to use a variety of stutter-steps and hesitation fakes at the tops of their routes to get open between the hashes.

Welker is a skillful route runner with a knack for getting open against tight coverage. He uses a series of hesitation moves, head fakes and jump cuts to freeze defenders at the tops of routes before bursting out of the break. Welker's craftiness is unrivaled in the game; few defenders can lock him up in isolated matchups.

In the video clip above, Welker sets up his defender by slowly jogging off the line before bursting quickly to the sideline on a quick out. Welker's deceptive tactics -- with an assist from a clever play fake by Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in the backfield -- lead to an 8-yard score for New England.

Cruz is an exceptional route runner, with the speed, quickness and agility to defeat defenders with finesse moves. He frequently uses a deadly stop-start move early in his routes to blow past coverage on slants and seam routes between the hashes.

In the video clip to the right, Cruz uses his hesitation move to freeze the New Orleans Saints defender before slipping past him for a 10-yard touchdown. That's the kind of move that has made Cruz nearly impossible to defend in the slot, which helps explain why Manning has started to depend on him as his No. 1 red-zone option.

Advantage: Even

Ball skills

Offensive coordinators value dependable pass catchers in the slot, as there are challenges that come with trying to snatch the ball in traffic. Receivers venturing over the middle must be able to concentrate and focus under duress; they also must be able to rack and adjust to balls thrown slightly off target.

Welker's productivity stems largely from his ability to catch the ball in a crowd. Not only is he courageous when working between the hashes, but Welker excels at making contested grabs on out-breaking routes with a defender hanging on his shoulder. With Brady capable of squeezing the ball into tight windows, Welker's strong hands helped him rack up gaudy totals as the Patriots' designated playmaker. Of course, some critics will point to Welker's high number of drops as a concern -- Welker led the NFL with 15 dropped passes in 2012 -- but the fact that he routinely ranks as one of the most targeted receivers in football lessens the impact of his flubs. Cruz is an exceptional pass catcher with strong hands and top-notch receiving skills. He plucks the ball from the air effortlessly in traffic, displaying the combination of courage and toughness offensive coordinators covet in prototypical slot receivers. Those traits have made Cruz a dominant playmaker who can deliver game-changing moments -- even while opposing defenses concentrate their efforts on him.

In the video clip to the right, Cruz displays outstanding focus and concentration while hauling in a 30-yard pass against the Washington Redskins, showcasing his superior ball skills and crafty route-running abilities between the hashes. Given Manning's pinpoint accuracy on timing-based routes, it's easy to see why Cruz has emerged as his top target.

Advantage: Cruz

Running skills

The rise of the quick-rhythm passing game has made it imperative that slot receivers possess stellar running skills. Coordinators often count on receivers to produce massive yards after the catch to keep their offenses on schedule.

Although he is certainly not considered a blazer, Welker is one of the best in the business with the ball in his hands. As a former punt returner, he excels at making guys miss in space and is rarely taken down by the first defender. Welker led the NFL in yards after the catch (YAC) in four of his six seasons in New England, including last year, when he amassed 702.

Cruz is regarded as a standout runner in his own right. He uses exceptional stop- start quickness to avoid defenders in space, while also displaying the strength and power to run through arm tackles. Cruz's combination of physicality and finesse makes him one of the most difficult runners to bring down in the open field, leading to several big gains for the Giants on simple catch-and-run plays over the middle.

Advantage: Welker

Explosiveness

Most offensive coordinators in the NFL design passing plays to produce first downs, touchdowns or explosive plays (categorized as pass plays that generate gains of 20 yards or more). Elite slot receivers, therefore, must be able to consistently deliver game-changing plays, despite playing in traffic on most downs.

Welker certainly fits the bill as a dynamic possession receiver with a polished overall game. While his numbers reflect his tendency to work within the 5-to-10- yard range (Welker has averaged just 11.2 yards per catch in his 10-year career), he occasionally surprises defenders with a crafty double move to produce a big gain -- as he does with the wheel route in the video clip above. While his lack of speed means he relies on a clever play designer to create opportunities for him, his veteran savvy as a route runner allows him to routinely produce explosive plays.

The versatile Cruz, meanwhile, can break for big gains on catch-and-run plays or vertical routes from the slot. In two full seasons, Cruz has totaled 37 receptions of 20-plus yards, including seven touchdowns of at least 70 yards. Most of his big plays have resulted from the Giants taking advantage of his speed, quickness and burst on a variety of "switch" routes down the boundary.

The video clip to the right illustrates how the Giants position Cruz in the slot alongside Hakeem Nicks, using a natural pick to create a big play down the sideline. While the tight alignment of the receivers is problematic for the defense, Cruz's precision on the rail route is what produces the big gain.

Advantage: Cruz

Clutch factor

Receivers typically are measured by their ability to deliver on third down and in the red zone, and Welker has been the premier third-down receiver for years. He continued to shine in that area in 2012, tallying the fourth-most third-down receptions (30) in the NFL. Remarkably, Welker produced 21 first downs, despite ranking just 10th in targets. Those numbers are consistent with what I witnessed on film, with Welker routinely defeating bracket or double coverage to net a critical reception. Welker's ability to shine on the money down was critical to New England's success during his time there.

Cruz has been equally important to the Giants, as he is a tough matchup for defenders in all situations, particularly in the red zone. Cruz's superior quickness and route-running skills overwhelm opponents forced to defend the end zone in tight man coverage. He uses an assortment of stems and stutter moves to threaten the defender's leverage before planting hard with his outside foot to win on a slant or seam route. Cruz repeatedly wears out defenders with this simple move, which is highlighted in the video clip to the right, and he remains an unstoppable force in the red zone. Of Cruz's 19 career touchdowns, 11 -- including six in 2012 -- have been red-zone scores. Considering his effectiveness as a third-down specialist, it's hard to find a more productive clutch player.

Advantage: Cruz

Conclusion Wes Welker is undoubtedly responsible for the heightened profile of slot receivers across the league. He has put together a remarkable six-season run of unrivaled productivity as a pass catcher while revolutionizing how offensive coordinators utilize slot receivers in the passing game.

However, Victor Cruz has surpassed Welker as the premier slot receiver in the NFL, with a combination of skills that makes him indefensible between the hashes. From his precise route-running skills to his explosive big-play ability, Cruz is a serious threat to deliver game-changing plays from any spot on the field. Factor in his ability to step up on third down and in the red zone, and there is no question that Cruz is the best slot receiver in the NFL. Welker here for hair

The Boston Globe June 19, 2013

Massachusetts will always have a place in Wes Welker’s heart — and, apparently, in his hair. The former Patriots receiver signed with the Denver Broncos in the offseason, but he was back in town Wednesday to tout the work of his buddy, Dr. Robert Leonard. Leonard, you’ll recall, performed a hair transplant last year on Welker, who has become a spokesperson for Leonard’s practice. (More on Welker at the Capital Grille in Chestnut Hill in the Sports section.) . . . Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall, who’s in town shooting “The Judge,” had lunch Wednesday at Myers + Chang. Duvall had requested a seat at the Whitey Bulger trial while he’s here, but our sources haven’t seen him. Welker grateful for warm reception

By Field Yates ESPNBoston.com June 19, 2013

BROOKLINE, Mass. -- Making his first appearance in Boston since signing with the Denver Broncos as a free agent this offseason, former Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker said on Wednesday evening that it's great to return to the place he played for six seasons and has been met with a warm reception.

"It's been great," Welker said at an event promoting his hair transplant by local doctor Robert Leonard. "It was really cool, I was walking around Boston and people have been walking up and just been thankful for everything and stuff like that. People tonight [are] being very gracious and everything else. It's been really cool to come back and see that. I was afraid that they might throw stones at me or something, so they've been more than great to me."

Sporting a thicker head of hair than when the Patriots season ended in January, Welker also talked about the advantages to his new 'do.

"I'm fortunate enough to be here with Dr. Leonard and kind of showing everybody the transformation he's made on my hair and how it's coming in," he said. "I don't have to hide underneath the helmet anymore or a hat. I can actually style it a little bit and do some different things. I'd like to thank him for helping me out with that."

Welker was peppered with questions regarding recent news surrounding his former teammate Aaron Hernandez, but offered no comments on the matter. He also added that he's been focused enough on his new team that he hasn't had much time to keep up with the Patriots' offseason.

"Not too much, not really," he replied. "I'm so focused on what I'm doing now and trying to make Denver better and trying to help my team there."

Though Welker hasn't been keeping up on the Patriots, he has stayed in touch with former teammates, including good friend Tom Brady.

"Tom and I are obviously very close, so I talk to him every once in a while," he said, before directing the focus to his new team. "I've enjoyed my time in Denver so far and I'm really looking forward to the team we have there and what we might be able to accomplish."

Welker and the Patriots were unable to come to terms on a long-term contract this offseason, a situation that dated back to before the start of the 2012 regular season. He said he has no regrets about how things transpired and holds no hard feelings toward the organization.

"No, not at all, not at all," Welker said. "Unfortunately, it's the business side of football and as a player [something] that you don't like, but you understand it."

He also clarified remarks suggesting that he stated Tom Brady was angry that the two sides were unable to strike a deal.

"I don't know if I ever said he was angry," he continued. "I think I just said we're obviously really good friends, and so any time you lose a friend from your team, like we have over the past, you have it every year, you're upset about it. I never said he was angry."

Despite the difficult ending, Welker said returning to Boston brought up mixed emotions.

"It made me a little bit sad because you had so many years here and such a great time and everything else," he said. "But you try not to think about it too much, move onto the future and always hope for the best."

Welker, who also noted that he'll take in the Bruins game tonight at the TD Garden when they host the Blackhawks in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup, will make his return to Gillette Stadium this November when the Patriots host the Broncos in Week 12. The 32-year-old said he's already thought about the return.

"A little bit, a little bit," he said. "You have the whole season in front of you, so you're always working toward trying to be at your best and everything like that. But you definitely want to play the best at certain times, especially on Sundays, and I look forward to coming back and playing, and I look forward to all the games." Report: J.D. Walton has surgery

ESPN.com news services June 19, 2013

Starting Denver Broncos center J.D. Walton underwent surgery on his left ankle Monday and will be sidelined until at least late October, The Denver Post reported Wednesday.

Walton's season ended on Oct. 1 last season when the Broncos placed him on injured reserve with a broken and dislocated left ankle.

Three sources told the Post that Walton's most recent surgery was to replace hardware inserted into his ankle during a surgery to repair last year's injury.

The newspaper reported that the Broncos are optimistic that Walton will be able to return by late October or early in November. However, if he suffers any complications in his rehab from the surgery, he might miss the entire 2013 season.

Walton had missed most of the Broncos' workouts this offseason and had just returned to participate in drills on a limited basis during last week's minicamp.

Manny Ramirez has worked at center for the Broncos this offseason. Veteran Dan Koppen replaced Walton last season, but he is an unrestricted free agent.

Before his injury, the 26-year-old Walton had started all 36 games of his career since being selected by the Broncos in the third round of the 2010 draft. Broncos have decision to make at center

By Bill Williamson ESPN.com June 19, 2013

J.D. Walton’s return to the field will have to wait and the Denver Broncos will have to figure out who will get the ball to Peyton Manning.

The Denver Post reported Walton recently had another ankle surgery and he could miss the entire 2013 season. The paper reported that Walton will be out at least half the season. The team has been expecting the issue in recent weeks because Walton was not recovering as expected. He was lost for the season last September.

Manny Ramirez was working with the first unit at center during the offseason. Denver was happy for him, but I could see them looking at free agents. Dan Koppen is available. He took over for Walton last year. Koppen did well, but he tailed off toward the end of the season.

If the team doesn’t go with Ramirez or bring back Koppen, they could consider Eugene Amano. He was recently cut by the Titans. He has 68 career starts. He was injured all of last season. Denver also has Philip Blake. But he has dealt with injuries and I’m not sure the team feels like he is ready to start. It’s not completely out of the question that Denver considers using Chris Kuper at center. The oft- injured Kuper is the odd man out at guard.

Overall, this is an issue, but I get the sense Denver had known Walton’s recovery was not going well in the past month or so. So this doesn’t come as a surprise and that Ramirez and Manning have been working together knowing it would for the long haul.

In other AFC West notes:

An Insider piece shows the Broncos and Chiefs were strong run-blocking teams in 2012 while the Chargers must pick it up. Broncos owner Pat Bowlen on the cusp of NFL owner history

By Kyle Montgomery June 19, 2013 MileHighReport.com

Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen isn't usually mentioned as one of the great owners in the NFL by the mainstream media.

He should be.

Consider the chart below, excerpted from footballgeography.com, and see how it illustrates just how successful and just how relatively young Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen is when compared to the NFL's owner elite. And because Pat Bowlen very much belongs in that prestigious club.

With 292 wins as owner of the Denver Broncos, Pat Bowlen is already among the Top 10 owners in wins, all-time.That number puts him sixth in AFL/AFC history as well.

W League Franchise From To Seasons Leader W L T Pct. Championships

8 (1921, '32-33, 63 George

Bears 1921 1983 463 318 40 0.588 '40-41, '43, '46, seasons Halas '63)

46 4 (AFL 1967, NFL

Raiders 1966 2011 Al Davis 413 314 8 0.567 seasons '76, '80, '83)

Titans 1960 2012 Bud Adams 406 425 6 0.489 2 (AFL 1960-61) seasons

53 Ralph

Bills 1960 2012 384 440 8 0.466 2 (AFL 1964-65) seasons Wilson

47 Lamar 3 (AFL 1962, '66,

Chiefs 1960 2006 381 332 12 0.534 seasons Hunt Super Bowl '69)

Steelers 1933 1987 Art Rooney 334 362 19 0.467 4 (1974-75, '78-79) seasons W League Franchise From To Seasons Leader W L T Pct. Championships

Cardinals 1962 2012 Bill Bidwill 328 446 13 0.425 seasons

52 William

Lions 1961 2012 328 458 15 0.419 seasons Clay Ford

41 Wellington

Giants 1965 2005 297 332 4 0.472 2 (1986, '90) seasons Mara

29 Broncos 1984 2012 Pat Bowlen 292 199 1 0.595 2 (1997-98) seasons

Now, consider:

• Bowlen is the only owner in the Top 10 with a tenure of under 30 seasons.

• In fact, he is the only owner in the Top 10 with less than 40 seasons with his club.

• Bowlen's win percentage (.595) is the highest in the Top 10.

• Bowlen is six Broncos wins away from moving into the Top 9.

• Bowlen will very likely cross the 300-win mark in 2013, which will make him the ninth owner to do so.

• Based on the tenures of other owners with over 300 wins, Bowlen will be one of the fastest owners to reach 300 wins, if not the fastest.

I considered Bowlen underrated, but even I was undervaluing Denver's owner of 29 seasons, not knowing he was among the ten winningest owners all time. Between this, recognition for his philanthropy, and the prospect of winning a third Super Bowl in franchise history, 2013 promises to be a big year for Pat Bowlen.

A big year among decades of good ones. Walton Sidelined -- What's Next?

Gray Caldwell DenverBroncos.com June 19, 2013

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Wednesday afternoon, the Broncos confirmed that center J.D. Walton underwent an additional procedure on his injured left ankle this week.

Walton, who missed all but the first four games of the 2012 season with the ankle injury, is expected to be out until mid-October.

In the meantime, seventh-year lineman Manny Ramirez worked at center throughout offseason practices and appears to be the immediate replacement currently on the roster.

But don't be surprised if the Broncos also look to free agency to fill the void, namely bringing back free agent center Dan Koppen.

The NFL's all-time winningest offensive lineman started 13 games -- including postseason -- for the team last year after Walton injured his ankle. He could fill that same role in 2013, which would be his 11th season in the NFL.

Looking over the roster for other centers, last year's fourth-round pick Phillip Blake started 26 games at center at Baylor University, but was placed on injured reserve with a thumb injury last September after being inactive for the team's first two games.

C.J. Davis , who matched a career high with seven regular-season appearances in 2012, is listed as a center/guard on the team's official roster, and Quentin Saulsberry , who spent last year on the club's practice squad, is the club's only other lineman listed solely as a center.

The Broncos' bye week in 2013 falls in Week 9 -- Sunday, Nov. 3. So if Walton's timetable pinpoints a mid-October recovery, a return to the field following the bye week doesn't appear to be out of the question.

Koppen and Ramirez could be the top options until then. 2013 Game-by-Game: Week 2

Andrew Mason Independent Analyst DenverBroncos.com June 19, 2013

• WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 15; 4:25 p.m. EDT.

• WHERE: MetLife Stadium; East Rutherford, N.J.

• TV: CBS.

• SERIES RECORD: Tied at five apiece (Giants lead 1-0 in the postseason).

• JOHN FOX'S RECORD: 2-3 (1-0 in the postseason).

• PEYTON MANNING'S RECORD: 3-1.

• SERIES STREAK: The Giants have won three straight at home over the Broncos dating back to 1986.

• LAST TIME: Broncos 26, Giants 6; Nov. 26, 2009. In the first Thanksgiving Day home game in Broncos history, Denver never trailed, cruising to a win that snapped a four-game losing streak and temporarily revived hopes of a postseason bid in Josh McDaniels' only full season as coach. The Giants didn't cross midfield until 4:02 into the second half; by that time, they trailed 16- 0.

• LAST TIME IN EAST RUTHERFORD: Giants 24, Broncos 23; Oct. 23, 2005. The Broncos' only loss in a 10-game stretch came in agonizing fashion, as Eli Manning led two fourth-quarter touchdown drives to overturn a 23-10 Denver lead. Manning's final pass sealed the Broncos' fate; he found Amani Toomer for a 2-yard score on third-and-goal with 10 seconds remaining. The Broncos had plenty of chances, and might have avoided defeat had Jason Elam not missed wide right o a 49-yard field-goal attempt with 5:24 remaining. Elam wouldn't miss another field-goal attempt for two months, but that was of little consolation as the Broncos saw a five-game winning streak end.

NOTING THE GAME:

• Oh, there are brothers quarterbacking these teams? You don't say … Anyhow, both Peyton and Eli Manning will remind everyone in the days preceding this clash that they're facing an opposing defense, not each other. Still, big brother has the upper hand in the head-to-head series, leading the Colts to a pair of wins over the Eli-led Giants (26-21 in 2006 and 38-14 in 2010). Unless they meet in the Super Bowl, this seems likely to represent the end of the Peyton-Eli rivalry, so savor this duel. The Broncos and Giants are not scheduled to meet again until 2017 -- one year after Peyton's contract expires. Eli's contract expires in 2015.

• John Fox is still highly regarded in Giants circles for his five-season stint as defensive coordinator (1997-2001), which propelled him to the head- coaching ranks 12 months after he helped lead the Giants to an unexpected NFC Championship while working under Jim Fassel, a former Broncos offensive coordinator who guided the Giants to three playoff appearances in seven seasons (1997-2003) there.

• Fox joined the 100-win coaches club last year (94 postseason, six postseason), and is one of just six active head coaches in the fraternity. Another is Giants head coach Tom Coughlin. Fox will face four of the other five 100-win coaches in 2013; the only one he'll miss will be Rams coach Jeff Fisher.

• Close games are the norm in New Jersey. The last four games between the clubs there -- all at the since-demolished Giants Stadium -- were decided by a combined 13 points. Denver's 14-9 win on Oct. 26, 1980 is the largest margin of victory for either team when they've played in the Garden State. New York posted a 29-17 home win over the Broncos on Nov. 5, 1972, but that game was played at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx; Giants Stadium was still four years away from opening its doors.

• Remember Andre Brown? The former N.C. State running back had a few sips of coffee with the Broncos in 2010 -- including two separate stints each on the practice squad and the 53-man roster -- but found a home with the Giants last year, averaging 5.3 yards per carry and scoring eight times on just 73 rushes. Brown's success and the potential of 2012 first-round pick David Wilson were the reasons why the Giants were willing to part ways with leading rusher Ahmad Bradshaw, who eventually signed with the Colts. Brown isn't the only ex-Bronco in Big Blue's running back corps; 2008 draft pick Ryan Torain will also fight for a backup spot.

• The quarterback connections between the teams don't stop with Peyton and Eli Manning. Giants backup David Carr started four games for John Fox in Carolina in 2007, and one of the four quarterbacks in Giants camp is Curtis Painter, who backed up Peyton Manning in 2009 and 2010 and started eight games for the Colts in 2011. • New York's defense collapsed in 2012, finishing the season 31st with declining stats across the board -- particularly in the pass rush, where their sack total dropped from 48 in 2011 to 33. They made no attempt to re-sign Osi Umenyiora, their second-leading sacker last year, and instead will count on a return to form by Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre-Paul to help pick up the slack. The wild card in the equation is third-round pick Damontre Moore, who was Von Miller 's successor at Texas A&M. How well Moore adjusts will be crucial. The Giants have said they plan to use him as a hybrid end and linebacker -- much like the Broncos use Miller.

• A different quarterback has started for the Broncos in each of their last four games against the Giants: John Elway in 1998, Brian Griese in 2001, Jake Plummer in 2005 and Kyle Orton in 2009. Assuming Peyton Manning remains healthy, that will become five of five this year and likely six of six with the teams' 2017 duel in Denver.

• This will be the first of three 2013 games the Broncos play in the Eastern Time Zone. Denver has won consecutive games in that time zone after losing 10 of 11 (including a playoff loss) from November 2009 through October 2012.

• Denver hopes to snap a three-game losing streak in road openers. Knighton Looking to Lose ‘Pot Roast’ Moniker

Stuart Zaas DenverBroncos.com June 19, 2013

When defensive tackle Terrance Knighton met the press after signing his free agent contact with the Broncos, he mentioned that he was hoping for a new nickname now that he’s entered the next chapter of his career in Denver.

He even appealed to Broncos Country fans to help him out.

And No. 94 is still looking for help.

“No, haven’t got one yet,” Knighton said. “I’m going to keep putting it on Twitter until someone comes up with a good one, and once they come up with a good one, I’ll definitely make it known, and tell the guys what to call me from now on.”

Without a good one bestowed on him from the fans, it has been up to his fellow players to give their best suggestions.

And without giving and details away, Knighton made it clear that he’d prefer whatever the fans can come up with.

“I’ve got so many nicknames, so I just want to get one and get it over with,” Knighton said. “And I’m not going to tell you what they call me.”

Pot Roast is the nickname he was given with the Jaguars, where he spent his first four NFL seasons after being selected by the team in the third round of the 2009 draft.

“Well, you know the name ‘Pot Roast’ is a name that I got in Jacksonville,” Knighton explained at his introductory press conference. “When I’m making plays and doing stuff I’m supposed to be doing, ‘You got roasted.’”

The name was given to him by former Jaguars linebacker Clint Ingram, but hasn’t stuck here in Denver.

“I haven’t heard that yet, actually,” Knighton said. “I’d rather have that one go away and get rid of these names they give me in the locker room.”

So, Broncos fans – any ideas? Go ahead and leave them in the comments section below. Week 2 Travel Guide: New York Giants

Stuart Zaas DenverBroncos.com June 19, 2013

Travel Liaison’s note: In conjunction with DenverBroncos.com’s 2013 game previews, we thought fans might like to get more information about the cities that the Broncos will visit in 2013. Here’s a look at some of the DenverBroncos.com contributors’ favorite things about the first of Denver’s 2013 road trip destinations – New York City. Yes, technically the game will be played in New Jersey, but we’re going to call it NYC for the purposes of this blog. If you have any travel tips or favorites about New York City, feel free to leave them in the comments section below for other readers who might be making the trip to watch the game.

Week 2 Game Preview Week 2 Photo Gallery

Week: 2 Date: Sept. 15 Opponent: New York Giants Time: 4:25 p.m. EDT Stadium: MetLife Stadium Distance from Denver: 1,774 miles, 26 hours by car. Fun Fact About New York City: There are 6,374.6 miles of streets in New York City. Trivia About New York City: Approximately how many people ride the New York City subway each weekday? The answer will be posted in the comments section later today.

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