Russ

Hochstein

The deal runs an extra two years, including $1.8 million in “new money” and a $400,000 signing bonus. Hochstein has been a valuable player at guard and center since starting during the team’s last Super Bowl run.

Kuper dislocated his left ankle and also broke his tibia and fibula in Week 17. It’s a major blow as he’s started every game for the Broncos since Week 7 of the 2007 season. Backup Russ Hochstein will be a downgrade.

Hochstein is a versatile backup and a great quote, but he’s going on age 35 and doesn’t bring much to the table on the field. He shouldn’t make Arizona’s 53.

Asamoah has been one of the few bright spot spots on Kansas City’s offense this season, and is coming off an excellent game versus the Steelers. Journeyman fill-in Russ Hochstein is a clear downgrade as a run blocker.

Capable of playing both guard and center, Hochstein will provide the Chiefs a nice bit of insurance along the offensive line. A 12-year veteran with 138 lifetime appearances, Hochstein could see snaps as early as Week 4 after C Rodney Hudson left Sunday’s loss with a knee injury.

He didn’t have trouble overtaking Dustin Fry. Russ Hochstein might be with the ones if he wasn’t coming off a torn ACL, but Walton is the favorite to start as it stands. His nasty mentality fits Denver’s new power-blocking scheme.

Hochstein can play both guard and center and knows coach Josh McDaniels well from their time together in New England. It’s surprising Denver gave up a draft pick, though. Hochstein is a career backup and turns 32 in October.

Hamilton has been a starter since 2002, but the 290-pounder isn’t as good a fit for Denver’s new power scheme as he was in Mike Shanahan’s old zone system. He’s also in a contract year. Hochstein is a career reserve.

Ben Hamilton has come on to take his old job back.