Multiple Denver Broncos fell victim to the injury bug in training camp. The onslaught featured a combination of season-ending and minor injuries that prevented the affected players from seeing time on the field.
Despite the unfortunate news, there is a glimmer of hope, as starting right tackle Mike McGlinchey is now healthy. In the August 8 practice, McGlinchey left the field due to a knee sprain.
As a result, the high-dollar right tackle missed a few weeks of practice and did not play in any of the preseason games. However, he got healthy just in time for the joint practices with the Los Angeles Rams ahead of the preseason finale, though he did not dress for the exhibition game.
McGlinchey reflected on his surprise return via The Denver Gazette's Kyle Fredrickson.
“Obviously, it was a little bit of a hiccup early in camp when I had that happen to my knee," McGlinchey said via Fredrickson. "But it was great to get back. Our training staff and our rehabilitation staff did an unbelievable job with the program, and I was able to get back a little bit quicker than expected.”
This is definitely a great sign of things to come for a few reasons. 1. The Broncos have a $87.5 million investment in McGlinchey over the next five years, and 2. The overall success of the offensive line is dependent upon the health and ability of the starting right tackle.
To get a fast start and start to shape the identity of the unit, all the players must be healthy and available. McGlinchey also sees this vision.
“Having an offensive line that sets the tone for this organization and for this football team is certainly something that we’re working for and certainly something that we want," McGlinchey said via Fredrickson. "I think we’re taking the right steps to get there. Playing offensive line, there’s a little bit of a badge of honor in that regard. We’re not exactly the most popular guys out on the field, but we certainly feel like we’re some of the most important.”
McGlinchey is a former top-10-drafted offensive tackle, though he's not coming off his best year. According to Pro Football Focus, he committed 10 penalties (tied for 8th in the NFL) and allowed six sacks (tied for T-15th in the NFL) with the San Francisco 49ers in 2022.
However, McGlinchey is a certain upgrade at the right side of the offensive line, given that the Broncos have neglected to invest in the right guy at the position in the recent past. He will begin his sixth NFL season starting on September 10 when the Las Vegas Raiders arrive for a showdown at Mile High.
Considering the Raiders' current six-game winning streak over the Broncos and the edge threat of Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby, hopefully, McGlinchey's play will serve as a catalyst for the offensive line to shine in 2023.
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