Ben

Hamilton

He may take over for Tom Nalen at center eventually. It was important for Denver to maintain some continuity along their offensive line.

Hamilton has a concussion, and coach Mike Shanahan admitted Monday that the situation is bordering on “scary.” Chris Kuper is spelling him.

Rookie T Ryan Harris (back) will also sit out against the Raiders.

He’s apparently “highly questionable for the opener.” The Broncos have a good crop of young backups, but Hamilton may be their top inside lineman.

Hamilton’s streak of 80 straight starts will come to an end. “The specialist in Pittsburgh recommended that he not do anything for two weeks, to just stay away from any type of conditioning,” coach Mike Shanahan said. “So that’s where we’re at right now. He’s not going to do anything for two weeks, and at the end of two weeks, we’ll evaluate him again.”

Third-year player Chris Myers now becomes a full-time starter at left guard. Hamilton’s status for 2008 is unknown, but he has some substantial base salaries remaining on the contract he signed in March of 2005.

Ross Hochstein, who started in place of right guard Chris Kuper in Week 2, will fill in for Hamilton. The Broncos offensive line should continue its dominance regardless.

The line is a complete transplant from last year and is learning to block differently. Denver ranks 23rd in yards-per-carry average, with Darius Walker (105 yards, 4.2 YPC) leading the way. Knowshon Moreno’s return won’t hurt.