Broncos Use Sixth Lineman Palczewski a Season-High 14 Times
Denver's extra blocker logged a season-high 14 snaps in a win over the Cardinals as the offense looks to fix its slumping ground game.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Football
The Denver Broncos used sixth offensive lineman Alex Palczewski a season-high 14 times against the Arizona Cardinals. Denver averaged 5.9 yards per carry with Palczewski in the game.
Why it matters
The Broncos' offense has been slumping and the ground game has struggled to find traction this season, making the extra lineman a notable adjustment. Using an extra blocker can also prompt defenses to shift into base formations, giving Denver more say over its game plan.
With Palczewski in the game the Broncos ran on 74.1% of plays, and excluding seven snaps inside the 3-yard line the split was 71% run and 29% pass. Teams used six offensive linemen on 7% of plays in 2025, while Denver used a sixth lineman as an eligible player 116 times last season.
The players
Alex Palczewski
Alex Palczewski is the Broncos' sixth offensive lineman, whose heavier-package role has drawn attention this season.
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are the NFL franchise based at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.
The details
Palczewski replaced Ben Powers in the starting lineup, with Frank Crum becoming the sixth offensive lineman. Denver runs simple concepts such as duo out of heavier formations, and a 14-yard completion to Jaylen Waddle came with Palczewski in the game.
Timeline
Last season: Denver used a sixth offensive lineman as an eligible player 116 times.
2025: Teams used six offensive linemen on 7% of plays.
This season: The Broncos' ground game has struggled while Palczewski started as the sixth lineman.
Against the Cardinals: Palczewski played a season-high 14 snaps in the Denver win.
Season Trajectory
Teams are using six or more offensive linemen more often than in any season since 2016, and Denver's heavier packages extend that league trend. For a team with a slumping offense, the added blocker is a way to reset the ground game and force defenses into base looks.
Fantasy managers tracking Denver's running backs should note that the heavier package has produced a 5.9 yards-per-carry average with Palczewski in the game. The approach may shape how often the Broncos lean on the ground game in coming weeks.
The takeaway
Extra blockers can signal a team's willingness to lean on the run, and watching how often a package like this appears can reveal a coaching staff's game-plan priorities. Tracking usage over several weeks will show whether the Broncos' heavier look is a trend or a one-game adjustment.
Further reading
For more on the team's position groups, see Denver Football coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Greeley Tribune.
