Denver Broncos Starting Center Could Be Out Entire Season

August 26 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) prepares to take the snap from center J.D. Walton (50) during the first quarter of a preseason game game against the San Francisco 49ers at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos could be without their starting center JD Walton for the entire 2013 season. Walton had to have another surgery on his ankle and the recovery process could keep him out for the year.

Per Pro Football Talk:

"According to Jeff Legwold of the Denver Post, center J.D. Walton had to have an additional surgery on his ankle this week which could mean he’ll miss the entire season. Broncos officials were holding out hope that if his recovery went smoothly, Walton might return for the second half of the year."

Walton has been the Broncos starting center for the last 3 seasons before he suffered the ankle injury. He suffered the injury last season and the Broncos signed former New England Patriots C Dan Koppen to lighten the blow. Koppen is a free agent currently, but the Broncos might want to give the veteran a buzz. With Walton likely out a while, the Broncos next man up is Quentin Saulsberry.

That target on Peyton Manning’s back is getting a little more clear for opposing teams to see.