Multiple injuries, roster flexibility and familiarity drove the Broncos to sign free-agent offensive tackle Tyler Polumbus to a one-year deal 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 could play on 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.