Two rookie offensive linemen, David Quessenberry and Brennan Williams, had surgery Wednesday, according to head coach Gary Kubiak.
Quessenberry, the sixth round pick from San Jose State, broke his foot in practice following the preseason win at Dallas. Quessenberry's versatility on the line afforded him more reps in the offseason. He took reps at both tackle and guard behind the starters.
"It was the first day we came back," Kubiak said. "Monday we're in a drill, he comes off the ball and didn't even get touched, just stuck his foot in the ground to run and broke his foot. So he had surgery yesterday. He and Brennan Williams had surgery yesterday. They're both doing fine and we are kind of in an evaluation process right now with Ques seeing how long will it take. Is there a possibility he makes it back, does he not make it back?"
Brennan Williams, a North Carolina third-round pick, suffered a microfracture in his knee. Williams was dealing with a knee injury he suffered on May 11, the second day of rookie minicamp. Williams did return near the end of camp, but suffered swelling again after the game at Dallas. Kubiak mentioned that the latest injury looked "more extensive" than the previous one.
"(DE) Antonio (Smith) comes back next week, a lot of things going on that could happen with that roster spot next week," Kubiak said.
With Antonio Smith on the inactive/suspended list, the team can keep an extra starter on the roster. Brennan Williams was already placed on injured reserve on August 31, when the 53-man roster was released. For now, Quessenberry is on the active roster while the team evaluates his recovery time. According to league policy, each team can designate one player on IR to return during the season. The designation must be made at the time the player is placed on IR. If Quessenberry can return sooner than expected, he could be a candidate for the IR designation to return.
Other Notes:
- Guard Wade Smith was a full participant in practice on Thursday.
- Inside Linebacker Darryl Sharpton is undergoing the league's concussion protocol. He was diagnosed before the preseason game against New Orleans.
