Another Broncos defensive lineman will be recovering over the break

After complaints of knee pain, second-year defensive lineman Adam Gotsis underwent arthroscopic surgery, according to 9News’ Mike Klis. Gotsis missed Thursday’s practice, the last scheduled team activity before training camp opens, likely in late July.

After Thursday’s practice, Vance Joseph called the surgery a “small cleanup job” and expects Gotsis to be available for the first week of training camp. He added that the surgery was “successful.”

Two years ago, Gotsis tore his other ACL in a game against Florida State during his senior year at Georgia Tech.

The Broncos selected Gotsis 63rd overall, in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. As expected, the Australian’s impact in his rookie season was minimal; he played in all 16 games but only posted one pass breakup, one fumble recovery and five tackles. Toward the end of the year, his playing time increased. He averaged more than 31 snaps per game over the last three weeks, after recording a single-game high of 12 during the first half of the season.

Gotsis reported to offseason activities nearly 20 pounds heavier than last season. At 6-foot-4 and over 300 pounds, the athletic defensive end seems poised to take over a starting role on the Broncos’ defensive front.

Gotsis joins Kyle Peko (broken foot, out six weeks) and Shaq Barrett (hip, out several months) on the injury report.