ENGLEWOOD — The Broncos carousel at left guard appears to have stopped next at Alex Palczewski.

Denver (4-2) hosts the Giants (2-4) on Sunday at Empower Field with a third different offensive lineman in three games besides left tackle Garett Bolles and center Luke Wattenberg.

Starting left guard Ben Powers went on injured reserve after suffering a biceps injury against the Eagles. Reserve left guard Matt Peart joined him in IR a week later with a torn MCL in London, playing the Jets. Coach Sean Payton has not publicly named a starter in Week 7 against the Giants.

However, after practice Thursday at Broncos Park, Bolles suggested that Palczewski will step up.

“Having two guys go down that quick, within two games, is a tough situation. But Palcho is ready for the challenge,” Bolles said. “I’m ready to be there for him and protect him as much as I can. Make sure that he feels comfortable. This ain’t my first rodeo playing with different guards. I’ve done it for a long time here.”

Palczewski, undrafted out of Illinois in 2023, was primarily a backup on the right side of the offensive line. He also served as the jumbo tight end — becoming a home fan favorite in the process. Palczewski started three games last season at right tackle when Mike McGlinchey was injured.

“Our o-line is deep. We have a lot of depth that can plug and play in all different positions,” Bolles said. “Obviously, Ben is my guy. I’ve played a lot of games with him. I hope he has a speedy recovery. … I hope we can get him back as soon as possible. Obviously, it was a very unfortunate situation for us (with) Matt going down.”

Greenlaw still limited

Inside linebacker Dre Greenlaw was a limited practice participant for the second time this week as he recovers from a quad injury. The free agent signing has yet to play for the Broncos this season.

It appears the team won’t rush Greenlaw’s return to action.

“If he returns this week, it’s got to be in a part-time role, maybe. We’ll see,” defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said on Thursday. “We’re not sure if that’s going to happen this weekend or next. But he’s in good spirits, he’s worked hard (and) he’s in the right mindset. So, we’ll see how Sunday plays out.

“But once he gets out there, we’ll feel him. Everyone will.”

Outside linebacker Jonah Elliss (shoulder) did not practice for a second consecutive day. Outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper (quad) was limited on Thursday. Two players on the injury report — outside linebacker Nik Bonitto (wrist) and inside linebacker Alex Singleton (thumb) — were listed as full participants.

Dobbins laments injury label

J.K. Dobbins disputes the narrative that he is an injury-prone running back.

Dobbins, in his first season with Denver, has missed significant games previously in his long NFL career due to a significant knee injury (torn ACL/MCL/meniscus) and a torn Achilles. On Thursday, after practice at Broncos Park, Dobbins explained why those injuries shouldn’t ultimately define him.

“People say I have injury issues. But I don’t. I’ve had two major injuries. That’s it. It’s not like I’m rolling ankles. It’s not like I’m injury prone,” Dobbins said. “The injuries that I’ve had have been unfortunate. They’re God-given, actually. A torn knee? I can’t help that. A torn Achilles? That’s something I can’t control, either. Other than that, what are the injuries? … So, no, I’m not worried.”

Last season, playing for the Chargers, Dobbins went on injured reserve with a knee sprain. He signed with the Broncos in free agency.

Dobbins has 91 carries for 442 yards and four rushing touchdowns this season. He’s played 51% of all offensive snaps over six games as the featured Broncos running back.

Briefly

Former Broncos safety Caden Sterns, a fifth-round pick in 2021, announced his NFL retirement Thursday on social media. Sterns last played for the Broncos in 2023 before his career was derailed by a torn patellar tendon. … Free agent wide receiver Treylon Burks (who worked out with the Broncos earlier this week) has signed with the Commanders practice squad, per NFL media reports. … Starting left tackle Mike McGlinchey is impressed with the Giants defensive front. McGlinchey said: “It’s going to take all five of us and then some to keep these guys in check. They’re a really, really talented group. A lot of great players. They’re relentless in their rush and really stout against the run as well.” … The Broncos painted the No. 88 on their practice field this week to honor wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, who enters the Broncos Ring of Fame on Sunday.