The Denver Broncos placed starting center Lloyd Cushenberry (groin) on injured reserve this week, which means he must sit out until at least Week 14.
Denver is expected to start veteran Graham Glasgow at center in the meantime, and after Cushenberry struggled in the first half of the season, it seems fair to wonder about his future with the team.
Cushenberry was penalized eight times and allowed six sacks through his first two seasons in the NFL. This year, he continued to struggle, earning a low grade of 56.2 from Pro Football Focus through eight games.
Glasgow performed well when he stepped in for an injured Cushenberry in London, and if the veteran performs well over the next four weeks, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him keep the starting job even after Cushenberry returns from his injury.
If he loses his starting job to Glasgow, Cushenberry’s future with the team might also come into doubt. Glasgow, 30, might not be a long-term answer at center, but Luke Wattenberg, a fifth-round pick in April’s draft, could be.
Next year, the Broncos could save $1,165,765 in salary cap space if they cut Cushneberry, a move that would cost just $236,544 in dead money. Denver might also be able to trade the offensive lineman for a late-round pick. Cushenberry has starting experience and a team might be willing to trade for him in 2023, but it’s hard to imagine him having a long-term future with the Broncos.
