Denver Broncos starting right tackle Ja’Wuan James injured his knee during Monday’s season opener against the Oakland Raiders and left the game during the second quarter.
James suffered a “significant knee sprain” and will miss several weeks, according to KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis.
James (6-6, 312 pounds) was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft out of Tennessee. He spent the first five years of his career in Miami and battled several injuries during that time, missing 16 games, the equivalent of a full season.
The Dolphins allowed James to test free agency in March and he signed a four-year, $51 million contract with Denver. His contract includes a potential out after the 2020 season that would leave the Broncos with a $6 million dead money hit. Otherwise, he’s locked up through the 2022 season.
James has allowed 19.5 sacks in 63 career games.
James was replaced by Elijah Wilkinson in Sunday’s game against Oakland. Wilkinson is poised to continue starting at right tackle. Denver has three offensive linemen on the practice squad: Quinn Bailey, Tyler Jones and Jake Rodgers. It wouldn’t be surprising to see one of them promoted to the active roster this week.
