The Packers extending Elgton Jenkins removed the top would-be free agent guard from the 2023 equation, but the Broncos have not made their intentions clear with one of the other proven guards on track to hit the market.
Dalton Risner may have already played his final game with his home-state team. The Broncos placed the fourth-year guard on IR on Tuesday. Risner suffered a UCL sprain in his left elbow, per 9News’ Mike Klis (on Twitter). He is not believed to need surgery, Troy Renck of Denver7 tweets.
Not needing surgery represents good news for Risner’s chances of scoring a nice payday in 2023.
The next contract might not come from the Broncos, Klis offers, and Renck adds no talks have taken place between the team and the Colorado native.
Risner has stayed healthy for most of his career; Sunday will only be his fourth missed game as a pro.
Chosen 41st overall during a 2019 draft in which the Broncos also made the No. 42 overall choice (Drew Lock), Risner has started every game he has played.
The Kansas State product has been one of the most consistent parts of an injury-riddled Broncos O-line, which has played most of the season without left tackle Garett Bolles and has lined up without right tackle Billy Turner and center Lloyd Cushenberry for much of the campaign. The Broncos have allowed an NFL-high 61 sacks this season.
Risner was part of an O-line that helped Phillip Lindsay to a 1,000-yard season in 2019. Pro Football Focus gave the former Day 2 pick his best career grade in 2021, when Javonte Williams showed tremendous promise as a rookie.
PFF slots Risner outside the top 40 this season at the position while tabbing 2021 third-rounder Quinn Meinerz as a top-five guard. While Meinerz is not eligible for an extension until 2024, the current regime did draft the former Division III guard.
Risner arrived in Denver during John Elway‘s GM run. Considering the trouble the Broncos have experienced up front this season, it would not surprise if their 2023 line looks considerably different.
In order for the Broncos to retain Risner, a midlevel guard payment — at least — will be required. Risner joins Nate Davis, Isaac Seumalo, Will Hernandez, Ben Powers and Connor McGovern as veteran starters available at guard. Davis joins Risner in finishing the season on IR.
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