Denver Broncos right guard Chris Kuper is listed as the starting right guard on the team's initial depth chart, but he won't be on the field for Thursday's preseason opener against the Chicago Bears, according to 104.3 The Fan's Darren McKee. Kuper has taken part in team drill and is traveling with the team to Chicago, but the team is taking it safe with him as he makes his way back from injury.
Kuper is still recovering from a dislocated ankle and broken leg suffered during the regular season finale against the Kansas City Chiefs in January. For the moment, it looks like Manny Ramirez (not that Manny Ramirez, mind you) will receive the first-team call for the game on Thursday.
Earlier in the week, right tackle Orlando Franklin did take some snaps at right guard, but it appears the broncos aren't all that interested in moving him over there permanently. Kuper should be healthy enough to keep his spot at the top of the depth chart.
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