Preseason Week 2: Packers Visit a Broncos Line in Flux
The Green Bay Packers travel to Denver on Friday, August 21. Green Bay is managing injuries to receivers Matthew Golden and Jayden Reed, linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and tight end Josh Whyle, though Golden and Reed have both returned to practice. Denver enters with a genuine offensive line crisis after center Michael Deiter suffered a season-ending thigh injury, forcing Calvin Throckmorton into the starting center role with undrafted rookie Gavin Ortega as his backup.
Broncos' center situation is a real concern
Losing Deiter for the season pushed Throckmorton into a new role, and with regular backups Luke Wattenberg and Alex Forsyth also missing practice time, Denver's interior line depth is thin heading into this game.
Packers' skill-position injuries trending better
Golden and Reed missing time after Family Night was a concern, but both returning to practice this week is a positive sign for Green Bay's passing game.
Limited visibility into starter plans
Neither team has clearly signaled who plays how much in this one, adding extra uncertainty to the projection.
AI Prediction
Packers 
Broncos Denver's O-line crisis is the clearest edge in this game
Losing a starting center for the season and shuffling backups behind him creates real protection and run-blocking questions for the Broncos.
Packers' receivers trending healthy
Golden and Reed both being back at practice suggests Green Bay's passing game should be closer to full strength than originally feared.
Thin starter-plan visibility caps confidence
Without clearer word on how much either team leans on its top players, this projection stays conservative.
This is a preseason exhibition. Denver's offensive line injuries are the standout factor, but limited information on both teams' starter plans keeps this a low-confidence projection.
Broncos Leaders
Packers Leaders
Team Stats
| Packers | Stat | Broncos |
|---|---|---|
| 9.0 | Points Per Game | 27.0 |
| 204.0 | Total Yards | 360.0 |
| 141.0 | Yards Passing | 198.0 |
| 63.0 | Yards Rushing | 162.0 |
| 28.0 | Points Allowed Per Game | 7.0 |
| 404.0 | Yards Allowed | 193.0 |
| 332.0 | Pass Yards Allowed | 134.0 |
| 72.0 | Rush Yards Allowed | 59.0 |
Venue
Closing Line
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Broncos Injuries