Broncos lose key offensive lineman for the season

The Denver Broncos rolled Oakland 37-6 Sunday but lost a key offensive player in center J.D. Walton during the game at Mile High.

Walton suffered a season ending broken ankle late in the first half.

“Disappointed in the injury, but the guys did a great job and I’m glad we got the win and got back on the right track,” said Walton via The Denver Post.

Walton went down after Raiders defensive end Jack Crawford was making a tackle on Lance Ball and inadvertently crashed into the backside of his legs.

Walton was replaced by Dan Koppen, who was released by the Patriots and signed by the Broncos as a free agent three weeks ago.

“I’m absolutely sick about J.D. Walton and his potential injury,” Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning said. “I haven’t heard the official (prognosis) but it sure didn’t look good out there. I know how hard he has worked. My heart goes out to him.”

Koppen will start on Sunday against New England, where he snapped to Tom Brady for nine seasons before being released.