Broncos designate starter to return from IR ahead of AFC Championship game

The Denver Broncos might get their starting center back in time for the AFC Championship game.

Denver center Luke Wattenberg (shoulder) returned to practice on Wednesday, opening his 21-day window to be activated from injured reserve. In order to play against the New England Patriots on Sunday, Wattenberg would need to be activated by Saturday. If Denver gets an upset win, Wattenberg would remain a candidate to be activated ahead of the Super Bowl if he’s not activated this weekend.

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Wattenberg’s return could be good timing after fill-in center Alex Forsyth suffered an ankle injury in the divisional round of the playoffs. Sam Mustipher stepped in after Forsyth went down last weekend.

The Broncos just released reserve center Michael Dieter from the practice squad on Tuesday, which could be a sign that the team expects Wattenberg to be activated later this week. The team has room for one more player to be designated to return from IR after Wattenberg.

Broncos IR return designations

1. DL Malcolm Roach (activated)

2. LB Dre Greenlaw (activated)

3. LB Garret Wallow (activated, but 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)

Broncos safety Brandon Jones (pectoral) has not yet returned to practice and, judging from coach Sean Payton’s comments, he is unlikely to return even if Denver reaches the Super Bowl, but there’s a spot open.

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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos news: C Luke Wattenberg designated to return from IR