The Denver Broncos have high expectations for their offensive line heading into 2026, and center Luke Wattenberg is at the center of it all. Ranked as Denver’s No. 20 player for the upcoming season, there are a lot of expectations for the 28-year-old.

During last season's bye week, Denver’s front office made a massive move by signing Wattenberg to a lucrative four-year, $48 million contract extension. According to Chad Jensen of Sports Illustrated, the expectation for the young star is clear. 

“The key for Wattenberg now is staying on the field and not missing starts,” Jensen added, setting the bar for the offensive lineman. “The Broncos gave him $48 million over four years, and they need him in the lineup.”

By locking him in through 2029, the Broncos proved they view the former fifth-round pick as a foundational piece of their future. This belief, per Sports Illustrated reports, is shared by new offensive coordinator Davis Webb, who recently called Wattenberg "the smartest center" he has ever been around. 

Wattenberg has played 51 games with 29 starts for Denver. He became the full-time starter in 2024 and put together an incredible 2025 season, logging 1,006 snaps with zero sacks allowed.

His ability to read defenses before the snap plays a key role in protecting the offense and aiding Bo Nix's progress as a young quarterback.

For the past two seasons, his injuries have been his biggest roadblocks. He injured his ankle that sidelined him in 2024, missing the last four games of the season.

Another late-season shoulder injury forced him to miss the final two games of 2025, along with the divisional round of the playoffs. However, there is good news for Denver fans.

Broncos receive O-line boost as Luke Wattenberg returns to practice

The team announced that center Wattenberg is finally back at practice after being out with a shoulder injury.

Wattenberg is a very important player for Denver. Before getting hurt late last season, he played every single offensive play for 15 straight games. Over the last two years, he has started 28 games and has become someone the team deeply relies on.

Now, the Broncos have a three-week window to watch him practice and add him back to the official game roster.

His return means the Broncos are getting healthier at the perfect time. Wattenberg joins other key players, like running back J.K. Dobbins and linebacker Drew Sanders, who are also practicing again and working hard to get back on the field.

However, this season, Wattenberg's number-one goal must be staying healthy so he can keep starting every game.

What are your expectations for Wattenberg this season? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar