Clady retires as a Bronco

A familiar face roamed Broncos headquarters Saturday afternoon as the team went through its final practice of the 2017 season. Former offensive tackle and Broncos first-round draft pick Ryan Clady was back where his NFL career started to ensure it would end there, too.

Clady signed a retirement letter to unofficially end his career as a Bronco and was honored by the team during practice.

Clady will be an honorary captain for the coin toss at Sunday’s season finale against the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Broncos will later show a video tribute in recognition of his seven seasons with them.

Clady was drafted out of Boise State in the first round (No. 12 overall) in 2008 and started every game for his first five seasons. Although injuries derailed the latter years of his NFL career, Clady picked up four Pro Bowl berths and three all-pro designations (two on the first team). He finished third in the 2008 rookie of the year voting and was widely viewed as the top offensive tackle in the league for years after.

Stephenson out. The Broncos on Saturday announced that offensive tackle Donald Stephenson was downgraded to out for Sunday’s game against the Chiefs because of a hand injury.

The Broncos could look to Cyrus Kouandjio or Allen Barbre to start at right tackle in place of Stephenson.