Broncos add a few tackle depth, sign Tyler Polumbus

The Denver Broncos’ offensive line – and the offense itself – remains a “work in progress”. Casey was a healthy inactive last Sunday in Detroit and has played sparingly as the Broncos have made little use of formations with a fullback.

Although the Broncos (3-0) could move right tackle Ryan Harris to the left side and insert Michael Schofield into the starting lineup Sunday against the Vikings (2-1) if Sambrailo can’t go, the simplest solution might be to play Polumbus, who logged 21 snaps for the Falcons this season.

Harris, an eighth-year pro, exuded a similar zeal. The Broncos are dressing Polumbus” addition up as a depth signing, which it could well be, but do not be surprised if the 2009 Broncos’ co-starting right tackles are the “15 version’s bookends at a few point this season. “The fourth game, I just went over to the left and my technique – I kind of let it slip away during that game”.

Starter C.J. Anderson has been banged up (or playing with a minor injury) in every game this season. “I get to live my dream again this week”. Entrusting Schofield to protect Manning with no seasoning may result in more trouble for the maligned front that’s already endured radical change. “He’s only like a future Hall of Famer, right?”

Another banged up offensive line stands in the way of the Vikings’ pass rush. “We’ll see. This is the first time I’ve seen him”.

Schofield isn’t just looking forward to the challenge, but the opportunity. Tyler Polumbus, who was signed Thursday, will be the Broncos’ backup tackle in the game. “That’s in life, too, whether you’re a sports writer or a fan, things in life don’t go perfectly and you have to be ready to adapt”. “It’s really nice to have a guy come in like that. Then you find out”, Kubiak said. We’re very fortunate from that standpoint.

Sambrailo was absent for the third consecutive practice Friday because of a shoulder injury, an indication he may not be fit to play Sunday. “He’s a tough kid and he knows how important he is to us”, Kubiak said. Things are going on and we have to keep him on the field consistently.

Those five were cornerback Kayvon Webster (ankle), running back Juwan Thompson (neck), cornerback Omar Bolden (foot), defensive end Kenny Anunike (knee) and guard Evan Mathis (hamstring).

“Obviously, because he hasn’t been here”, Kubiak said of Polumbus backing up.