Clady will play; Harris questionable

Denver Broncos offensive tackle Ryan Clady (Christian Murdock/Colorado Springs Gazette)

The most notable portion of Wednesday’s Broncos-Jaguars injury report may be the player not listed.

Starting left tackle Ryan Clady, who missed all of training camp and preseason with an offseason knee injury, was nowhere to be seen on the report. Head Coach Josh McDaniels confirmed Thursday that this meant the 2009 All-Pro selection would be ready to start in Sunday’s season opener at Jacksonville.

“Clady will definitely play — no question,” McDaniels said Thursday. “He’s not even on the injury report. He’s ready to go.”

Meanwhile, questions do surround the availability of Clady’s counterpart, right tackle Ryan Harris. The fourth-year player’s ankle injury held him out of practice Wednesday and will keep him out Thursday as well.

But McDaniels wouldn’t rule Harris out against Jacksonville.

“Ryan is getting better every day,” McDaniels said of Harris. “We’re going to give it all week and see what happens.”

If Harris can’t go, rookie Zane Beadles is expected to start at right tackle.

Think back to earlier this offseason, Broncos fans, when Clady’s injury was first announced, and appreciate the bullet we just dodged. Perhaps the football gods can recognize the hit we already took with Elvis Dumervil and give us Harris, too. Please? /sacrifices chicken