Imagine this: the Denver Broncos, on the brink of the AFC Championship, are about to get a game-changing boost. But here's where it gets controversial—could the return of their starting center be the key to upsetting the New England Patriots? Let’s dive in.
As of January 21, 2026, at 2:36 p.m. MT, the Broncos are buzzing with the news that center Luke Wattenberg, sidelined with a shoulder injury, has returned to practice. This marks the beginning of his 21-day window to be activated from injured reserve. To suit up for Sunday’s high-stakes matchup, Wattenberg must be officially activated by Saturday. If the Broncos pull off an upset and advance, he could still be a Super Bowl contender even if he sits this weekend out.
And this is the part most people miss—Wattenberg’s potential return couldn’t come at a better time. Backup center Alex Forsyth suffered an ankle injury during the divisional round, leaving Sam Mustipher to fill the void last weekend. With the Broncos recently releasing reserve center Michael Dieter from the practice squad, it’s a strong hint that Wattenberg’s activation is imminent. The team still has one more spot available for players returning from IR, adding another layer of strategy to their roster decisions.
Here’s a breakdown of the Broncos’ IR return designations so far:
1. DL Malcolm Roach (activated)
2. LB Dre Greenlaw (activated)
3. LB Garret Wallow (activated, later cut)
4. OG Ben Powers (activated)
5. LB Karene Reid (activated)
6. LB Drew Sanders (not yet activated)
7. TE Lucas Krull (not yet activated)
8. RB J.K. Dobbins (not yet activated)
9. C Luke Wattenberg (not yet activated)
10. Open
Meanwhile, safety Brandon Jones, nursing a pectoral injury, remains absent from practice. Coach Sean Payton’s comments suggest he’s unlikely to return even if the Broncos reach the Super Bowl. But with a spot open, the team’s options are still evolving.
Controversial question for you: Is Wattenberg’s return a game-changer, or is the Broncos’ offensive line too shaky to rely on? Let us know in the comments!
For more updates, follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X. And did you know? These 25 celebrities are die-hard Broncos fans—check out the list for some surprising names!
