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Broncos center Matt Paradis cleared for training camp following hip surgeries

Posted at 7:20 PM, Jul 05, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-05 23:09:21-04

DENVER -- Zero.

That's how many offensive snaps Matt Paradis missed the past two seasons. So it should come as no surprise Paradis will be available for training camp following offseason hip surgeries on both hips. He told Denver7 on Wednesday night that he has been cleared to participate.

"I feel great," said Paradis, whose teammates voted him as the Ed Block Courage Award winner last season for his toughness.

How much the Broncos demand of Paradis the first few weeks remains uncertain. Coach Vance Joseph indicated recently that Paradis would be eased back into the fold to determine his stamina and health. The Broncos have said for months that Paradis would be ready on July 1 and good to go for the exhibition season. Confirmation of the diagnosis, nonetheless, is reassuring.

Paradis looks forward to practicing without pain. He could no longer work out last season, the ache in his hips so severe that all reps were saved for the game. Paradis admitted it hurt the offensive line's performance since he was responsible for pre-snap adjustments, which became increasingly difficult without time together during the week.

"I think it will help a ton (to be able to practice) just for my mental health," Paradis said with a laugh. "And it can't hurt the guys I am playing with to be playing with me either."

The Broncos will feature a revamped offensive line. The projected starting lineup -- with emphasis on projected -- includes left tackle Garett Bolles, left guard Max Garcia, center Matt Paradis, right guard Ron Leary and right tackle Menelik Watson. Ty Sambrailo is competing for left tackle spot with Michael Schofield as a utilityman at guard and tackle. It leaves tackle Donald Stephenson likely needing a strong camp to make the team.

While new offensive coordinator Mike McCoy plans to diversify the offense, Joseph wants the Broncos to establish the run. The ground game disappeared the second half of last season following C.J. Anderson's knee injury. Denver finished 27th in the NFL at 92.8 yards per game. 

The Broncos eye improvement with Paradis at the center of the plan.