Evan Mathis won't play Saturday, will start Week 1 at guard for Denver Broncos

For Evan Mathis, it’s been a whirlwind of a week.

He went from free agent to the newest member of the Denver Broncos yesterday – which subsequently meant a need for a roster spot and the releasing of Connor Barth – and will be the team’s starting left guard when the regular season kicks off, head coach Gary Kubiak said Wednesday.

And Mathis said he feels like he’ll be ready to go Week 1:

Mathis thinks he’ll be caught up and ready to go for week 1 #broncos pic.twitter.com/sCbL32OK4E

— Adam Kinney (@AdamKinneyRadio) August 26, 2015

Mathis said he’s been working at his own facility in Arizona since January to keep in shape. Feels good about conditioning level.

— Adam Kinney (@AdamKinneyRadio) August 26, 2015

So, how’d he end up in Denver?

“The Broncos weren’t really a team that was involved in this process until late,” the two-time Pro Bowl guard said Thursday.

And, while there were other teams pursuing him like the San Francisco 49ers, he eventually picked Denver because they were a top contender. He’ll be the starter at left guard next to rookie left tackle Ty Sambrailo and center Matt Paradis.

Mathis added his desire to play for a contender weighed heavily on his decision to sign with the Broncos, along with his familiarity with the newly implemented zone blocking scheme, and of course blocking for a hall of fame caliber quarterback in Peyton Manning.

With former All-Pro Louis Vasquez at right guard, our Ian St. Clair argues the Broncos have the top guard tandem in the entire NFL.

Kubiak told the media that Mathis will not play on Saturday vs the 49ers as it would be irresponsible to rush him into action that quickly.