Denver's offensive-line depth is tested after Nick Gargiulo left Saturday's preseason game with a knee injury against Arizona. Gargiulo, a seventh-round pick from South Carolina (and Yale prior), could miss time, opening questions about the Broncos' interior rotation. The injury adds urgency to how Denver prioritizes its swing-guard/center option and how quickly the team evaluates its 53-man roster plans.

If Gargiulo is out, Luke Wattenberg remains the starter at center, backed by Alex Forsyth and undrafted rookie Joe Michalski. Guards Calvin Throckmorton, Will Sherman, and Clay Webb will compete for snaps. The update underscores how quickly interior-line depth can shift in the preseason and what that means for Week 1 protection schemes and fantasy considerations of Broncos blockers.

RJ Harvey flashed top-speed burst and elusive agility in Denver’s first preseason clash, finishing six carries for 24 yards and posting 4.5 yards after contact on a key run. He showed the kind of game-changing ability that could lift the Denver offense if he wins the early-down lead, though several carries were bounced outside due to line traffic rather than pure misreads by the back. The take: this is not a bad night; it’s a showcase that the offense, blocking schemes, and Harvey can improve together. The film paints clear, fixable issues rather than fatal flaws, and Denver’s backfield competition will hinge on line cohesion and Harvey’s decision-making in real NFL speed. Expect a hotly watched follow-up in Week 2 as the line and Harvey mesh more as a unit.

Preseason Blame Game observations focus on a developing run plan—inside zone and gap schemes—with Harvey often bouncing to the outside. Some reps were blocked cleanly; others suffered from interior congestion, particularly where the RT’s technique and DE slants clogged seams. The takeaway: Harvey’s physical gifts are undeniable; with improved recognition and more consistent O-line chemistry, his upside is substantial. This isn’t about one game; it’s about a process where coaching and blocking will determine Harvey’s Week 1 role and fantasy upside.

Bottom line for fantasy managers: Harvey can be a high-ceiling threat if he locks down the lead role, but keep expectations tempered until the line gels. Denver’s scheme mix and the health/accuracy of blockers will shape his carry volume, especially early in the season. In the meantime, monitor roster moves and the next preseason test—the path to a breakout remains very much in play as the offense seeks cohesion for a more explosive ground game.

Luke Wattenberg, the Denver Broncos' fourth-year center, is poised to retain his starting position heading into the 2025 season. Standing at 6-4 and weighing 300 pounds, Wattenberg showcased exceptional versatility during his college career at the University of Washington, where he played both center and left guard. Despite a challenging start in the NFL, he began to find his footing in 2024, starting 13 games after taking over for Lloyd Cushenberry.

Wattenberg's success has coincided with the evolution of the Broncos' offensive line and the transition to second-year quarterback Bo Nix. With Wattenberg's rookie contract nearing its end, he is in a pivotal position to negotiate a new deal with the Broncos while solidifying his role as a key player in Denver's lineup.

Alex Forsyth's journey with the Denver Broncos has taken a turn as he enters what may be his final training camp with the team. Once seen as a promising seventh-round pick in 2022, Forsyth now finds himself competing for a backup position after being outperformed by Luke Wattenberg. Despite being the center for Broncos quarterback Bo Nix during their college days at Oregon, Forsyth struggled last season, particularly during a critical field goal block against the Kansas City Chiefs that cost the Broncos a potential upset.

In a competitive environment, Forsyth must now prove his worth against other contenders like Nick Gargiulo and Clay Webb, who can also play center effectively. His ability to perform under pressure, especially on special teams, will be crucial as he aims to secure a spot on the roster. With fans expressing frustration over his previous performance, Forsyth's future hinges on demonstrating significant improvement.

Luke Wattenberg is making waves in the NFL as a center for the Denver Broncos, impressively ranking 14th among all starting centers, according to recent evaluations. Transitioning from a fifth-round draft pick to a starter, he has showcased significant growth in his pass protection skills, achieving a remarkable 82.0 PFF pass-blocking grade this past season, placing him as one of the top performers in that category.

With 13 starts under his belt, Wattenberg demonstrated durability and efficiency, allowing only two sacks in the 2024 season. As he approaches the 2025 season, the expectations are high for him to further enhance his gameplay. His journey highlights the importance of player development and the potential for emerging talent to make a substantial impact in the league.