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Franklin

Tim Tebow has been sacked six times, in large part due to his inability to read defenses and Franklin’s poor pass protection. Chris Clark, who plays as the extra blocker in jumbo packages, has come on as Franklin’s replacement.

Assisted by two trainers, Franklin walked off the field slowly grabbing the upper thumb area on his left hand. The promising second-round rookie returned after missing just a couple of plays.

The injury won’t be a concern going forward in camp, but is something to file away for if/when Franklin suffers another head injury. The Denver Post reported last week the Broncos have “kicked around” giving Franklin reps at right guard, but that idea will likely be shelved with RG Chris Kuper (broken leg) looking healthy early in camp.

The move would give the Broncos insurance on RG Chris Kuper (broken leg), but also open up a hole at right tackle. Kuper has been cleared for camp. Franklin actually made 12 more starts at guard than tackle for the University of Miami, and was much better in the run game than pass protection as a rookie.

Franklin also revealed he’s recovering from a shoulder injury. He puts his toe at 100 percent, and shoulder at “85 percent.” Franklin is planning to play at 315 pounds in 2013 after never previously dipping below 320. Only 25 years old, Franklin graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 5 right tackle 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.

Franklin, at 6-foot-7, 330, looks a little tall for the interior, but he certainly has the girth to push people around inside. In his second year out of Miami in 2012, Franklin started all 17 games and graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 6 right tackle, finishing second in pass-blocking. It’s atypical to see a guy excelling at one spot moved to another, but the Broncos are legitimately concerned over RG Chris Kuper’s (ankle) health.

It means four of the Broncos’ five starting linemen are recovering from operations. Franklin hasn’t missed a game since joining the starting lineup in 2011. Franklin had been bandied about as a candidate to kick inside to right guard if Chris Kuper (leg surgery) wasn’t healthy by camp, but that idea likely died when the Broncos didn’t draft a tackle. Franklin is coming off a strong 2012.

With an eye on re-signing Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas and Von Miller before 2015, the Broncos aren’t expected to pony up the cash for Beadles. If Franklin moves inside, they’ll have a formidable power due up the middle with RG Louis Vasquez and C Manuel Ramirez. Chris Clark, who excelled on Peyton Manning’s blind side in 2013, would kick to right tackle with LT Ryan Clady back healthy. The Broncos are going to have a good line again in 2014.

Despite the questionable tag, Franklin got in a full practice Friday and is expected to play. San Diego’s entire offensive line is healthy for Sunday’s game.