Multiple injuries, roster flexibility and familiarity drove the Broncos to sign free-agent offensive tackle Tyler Polumbus to a one-year contract Thursday.
With Ty Sambrailo unable to practice yet this week because of a left shoulder injury, Evan Mathis watching Thursday with a hamstring injury and Louis Vasquez nursing a sore knee, the Broncos wanted veteran protection. Polumbus, who spent the season's first three weeks in Atlanta running a zone-blocking scheme similar to the Broncos, can play both tackle positions — and he could play Sunday, given the inexperience of Michael Schofield.
"We need somebody here right now that has some playing time under their belt," coach Gary Kubiak said.