Broncos OT Orlando Franklin a "tough guy" in return from injury

In a mild surprise, given the extent of the left leg injuries he suffered two weeks ago, Orlando Franklin was the Broncos' starting right offensive tackle Sunday.

"It tells you we've got some tough guys on this team," Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning said.

And Manning is one of them. He suffered an ankle injury two games ago while getting hit in the end zone against Jacksonville and Manning was hit hard and hit often the previous Sunday at Indianapolis.

He did not limp or favor his injured ankle during the game Sunday. Throwing three interceptions weren't because of the ankle.

"Actually, I felt pretty good out there today," said Manning, who besides the three interceptions, completed 30-of-44 passes for 354 yards and four touchdowns. "I felt like I was moving around, and I was able to move in the pocket a little bit. The bye week is coming at a good time for a lot of people physically, for me as well to get some rest."

Franklin left the game two weekends earlier against Jacksonville with a sprained left knee and left ankle. He gave up a strip sack to Ryan Kerrigan that led to Manning's fumble, but otherwise delivered a gritty performance.

With Franklin back, Louis Vasquez returned to his customary right guard position. Vasquez made his first NFL start at right tackle last week against the Indianapolis Colts and played well.

Chris Kuper had a setback with his troublesome left ankle while he played right guard last week at Indy. He did not dress Sunday.

The Broncos' offensive front was, from left to right, Chris Clark, Zane Beadles, Manny Ramirez, Vasquez and Franklin . That has been the Broncos' line alignment since left tackle Ryan Clady suffered a season-ending foot injury in Week 2.


(denverpost.com)