Garett Bolles has played through a quarterback carousel throughout his career in Denver.
The Broncos left tackle has blocked for 13 different starters since his rookie season in 2017. And even though he has supported each one on and off the field, it has become tiresome to deal with the revolving door at the position.
“It’s frustrating for me since I’ve been here for so long and it’s the same (stuff) over and over again,” Bolles said. “But at the same time, I gotta go out there and do my job.”
Bolles saw stability at the position with Russell Wilson starting 15 games under center this season and 15 in 2022. That all changed last week when head coach Sean Payton decided to bench Wilson in favor of Jarrett Stidham, who earned his first career victory as a starter in Week 17’s matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Bolles thought the offensive line blocked well and gave Stidham enough time to work in the pocket. Still, he said it’s a “tough situation” when dealing with another quarterback change.
“Those things happen around here. It’s frustrating for me, especially, but at the same time, that’s who (head coach Sean Payton) wanted, and I gotta do my job.”
Sutton, Browning return to practice: Wide receiver Courtland Sutton and outside linebacker Baron Browning were limited participants at Wednesday’s practice, with both players progressing through concussion protocol.
Inside linebacker Josey Jewell (back) and rookie wideout Marvin Mims Jr. (hamstring) were also limited. Starting right tackle Mike McGlinchey (ribs), running back Samaje Perine (rest) and tight end Chris Manhertz (illness) did not participate. Meanwhile, Payton expects safety Delarrin Turner-Yell, who suffered a torn ACL last week against the Chargers, to go on the injured reserve list.
Dulcich’s season officially over: According to the league’s transaction wire, Broncos tight end Greg Dulcich’s 21-day practice window to return to the 53-man roster expired Wednesday, meaning his season is over. Payton hoped that Dulcich (hamstring/foot) would return at some point during the final three weeks of the regular season after the former UCLA standout returned to the practice field following a second stint on injured reserve. Dulcich dealt with swelling and soreness in his foot after his first day back, however, and has been sidelined ever since.
Locke “would love to be” in Denver: P.J. Locke has had a productive year. The fourth-year safety began the season on injured reserve but since then has started the first seven games of his career and proven himself to be a reliable NFL starter.
Now he’s entering the final game of the season and is set to become a free agent this spring. He said he hasn’t thought much about the prospect of hitting the market, but thinks he has a good situation in Denver.
“I mean, this is where I was developed, and I would love to be here,” he told reporters at his locker Wednesday.
Locke figured to be fourth on the depth chart this summer, but a Week 1 injury to Caden Sterns and multiple suspensions and the eventual waiver of Kareem Jackson put him on the top line of the depth chart alongside Justin Simmons.
Locke grabbed the opportunity and ran with it.
“Just taking command,” he said of his development. “All the things I’ve learned over the past four years, and I’m still learning, just showing that on the field.
“I can’t thank Justin, thank ‘Jack,’ my (defensive coordinator), my DB coach, all of them enough for how they’ve developed me over the years and how they’re going to continue to develop me,” Locke said.
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