Chris

Clark

Clark, 34, spent three seasons with the Texans from 2015-2017, starting 26 games. The Texans lost RT Tytus Howard to a sprained MCL last week and are placing OT Seantrel Henderson on the NFI list. Roderick Johnson should start at right tackle, but Clark is an experienced proven option.

Clark got rolled up from behind in this past weekend’s second preseason game and had to be placed in an air cast. Clark signed with the Saints just eight days ago. This could be the end of it for the soon-to-be 34-year-old. Veteran LB Will Compton was signed to take his spot.

It’s a homecoming for Clark, who grew up in the Big Easy. Injuries to the Panthers’ O line forced Clark to take on a bigger role than expected last season, seeing 15 appearances including 13 starts at left tackle. The 33-year-old will serve as depth behind locked-in starters Terron Armstead and Ryan Ramczyk.

Ball closed out last season as the passing-down complement to Willis McGahee. The Broncos are expected to seek an upgrade for McGahee’s running mate in 2012. Boosted by Denver’s thin air, Britton graded out as Pro Football Focus’ top-ranked punter last season.

On Wednesday night, Franklin tweeted, “Thanks guys for all your prayers for my little brother. Its a shame that he had to die at 20.” Franklin, the No. 46 overall pick in the draft, has started all four games this season. If he doesn’t return to the team in time for Sunday’s game against the Chargers, Chris Clark and Tony Hills are candidates to get the nod.

Clark has appeared in all 32 games for the Broncos over the last two seasons, starting six. The low tender gives the Broncos the right of first refusal and will pay Clark $1.323 million in 2013.

The Broncos’ swing tackle, Clark has appeared in all 16 games each of the past two seasons, and made six starts in 2011. He played just 66 snaps in 2012, however. Going on 28, Clark will be an unrestricted free agent next offseason.

Clady, a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro, needs surgery to repair a Lisfranc injury in his left foot. It’s a massive blow the Broncos’ Super Bowl aspirations. Clady is among the league’s best pass protectors, obviously a crucial part of a Peyton Manning offense. Chris Clark, a 2010 undrafted free agent with six career starts, will fill in on Manning’s blindside and newly signed Winston Justice will be the swing tackle. The Broncos may need to give top blitz pickup back Knowshon Moreno even more snaps now. Clady signed a five-year, $52.5M contract that included $33M guaranteed in July.

Clady left Sunday’s game against the Giants late in the fourth quarter with what has been diagnosed as a Lisfranc sprain in his left foot. The Broncos are still gathering medical opinions, but season-ending surgery is a real possibility if there’s a fracture. Placing Clady on short-term injured reserve is another option. In that scenario, Clady wouldn’t be able to return until Week 11. What we do know is that Clady will miss “at least a few weeks.” Chris Clark will step in on Peyton Manning’s blindside for the foreseeable future. It’s a steep downgrade.

The Broncos’ swing tackle, Clark has played just 70 snaps going back to last Week 1. A 2008 undrafted free agent, Clark has made 42 career appearances and six starts, all for the Broncos.