ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Peyton Manning will have a new left tackle protecting his blindside after the Denver Broncos placed Ryan Clady on season-ending injured reserve Wednesday.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Peyton Manning will have a new left tackle protecting his blindside after the Denver Broncos placed Ryan Clady on season-ending injured reserve Wednesday.
Clady hurt his left foot Sunday when New York Giants defensive lineman Cullen Jenkins rolled up on him while the Broncos were trying to run out the clock in their 41-23 win. Clady will soon undergo surgery for what’s being called a Lisfranc tear, which involves a separation of ligaments and joints in the foot.
Chris Clark, a fifth-year journeyman, will take the place of Clady and make his first career start at left tackle Monday night when the Broncos (2-0) host the Oakland Raiders (1-1).
“Stepping up into a role like this, it’s not going to be hard for me to adjust,” said Clark, who received a two-year contract extension on Monday. “It’s not about filling a guy’s shoes for me. It’s about me creating my legacy, just helping the team the best way I can and doing my job.”
Still, those are some big cleats for Clark to fill.
After all, Clady has been a mainstay at left tackle, never missing a start since being selected in the first round in 2008 out of Boise State. He allowed just one sack last season, the fewest in the NFL. By keeping Manning so safe and secure, Clady made his third Pro Bowl team and was voted an All-Pro first-teamer for the second time in his career.