The Broncos won three in a row but have new questions facing their offensive line.

Starting right tackle Alex Palczewski left in the third quarter of Sunday’s victory over the Raiders with an injury and did not return. NFL Network reported that Palczewski suffered a high ankle sprain, but x-rays were negative. Palczewski is playing because right tackle Mike McGlinchey is on injured reserve (knee).

Starting center Luke Wattenberg also missed 10 snaps late against the Raiders with an ankle injury. He was replaced by Alex Forsyth, a second-year interior lineman making his NFL debut. Starting left tackle Garett Bolles was shaken up on Sunday and missed one play. Rookie Frank Crum also made his NFL debut in his absence.

Coach Sean Payton, on his Monday teleconference call with reporters, did not get specific regarding offensive line health before a Week 6 home matchup against the Chargers.

“(Peart and Forsyth) both played well, and we’ll see how the week unfolds relative to our own guys,” Payton said. “I’m glad we have that kind of depth and experience. Certainly, Matt has got more experience than Alex. … Guys stepped up, and right away filled in, and did the job.”

Tight end Adam Trautman echoed that confidence in their offensive line depth after beating the Raiders.

“I think we held up great,” Trautman said. “Those guys stepped in and did a great job. They’re always ready no matter what. So, we obviously have a lot of confidence. That room is really deep.”

McGlinchey is eligible to return from IR in Week 7 against the Saints. However, it would be with short practice time due to a Thursday night kickoff in New Orleans.

Franklin talks missed TD

Rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin did not get credited for a drop Sunday on a would-be long touchdown pass from Nix. He still took blame.

The football might have been slightly overthrown, but the incompletion went through Franklin’s outstretched hands. What went wrong?

“Just tracking the ball, running, looking up and my head’s moving,” Franklin said in the postgame locker room. “I just got to make sure I’m sticking to the ball the whole time, following through (and) finishing the catch.”

Franklin said his mentality was “on to the next play” following the missed opportunity. Franklin has recorded five catches for 29 yards over his first four game appearances.

The injury status of wide receiver Devaughn Vele (ribs) has opened the door for increased Franklin targets. It is unclear when Vele will return to the lineup after missing the last four games.

Jones staying even-keeled

The Broncos defense has created 19 sacks and eight turnovers entering Week 6.

Safety Brandon Jones is keeping perspective. It’s a long season.

“Everything at this point is fuel, good or bad, that’s said about us. We are continuing to build a lot of confidence and a lot of trust in each other,” Jones said on Monday. “We’re always on the same page and we’re going to keep playing our brand of football, regardless of what that looks like from the outside. … I never want to get too high on ourselves or take too many compliments and get comfortable. Because that’s the last thing we want to do.”