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Firefighters in Colorado Springs braved dangerously cold temperatures over the weekend to rescue a hiker who had become stranded on a rocky ledge in the backcountry, fire officials said.
The rescue operation was launched just before 7 a.m. Saturday after the hiker reported that he was stuck on the steep terrain and unable to move in North Cheyenne Canyon, the Colorado Springs Fire Department said.
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The temperature at the time was about 2 degrees, KKTV reported.
Crews were able to pinpoint the hiker’s position using a drone and sent a high angle rope rescue team to hike to his location.
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Fire officials warned the public to stay warm and indoors.(Colorado Springs Fire Department)
Rescuers set up a rope system and lowered the hiker down the side of the rocky ledge. The rescue operation lasted about two hours.
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Rescuers set up a rope system and lowered the hiker down the side of the rocky ledge. (Colorado Springs Fire Department)
The hiker was treated at a hospital for injuries to his lower extremities and frostbite. Some firefighters involved in the rescue also suffered from cold exposure and were warmed and hydrated on scene, officials said.
The hiker reported that he was stuck on the steep terrain and unable to move in North Cheyenne Canyon.(Colorado Springs Fire Department)
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Fire officials warned the public to stay warm and indoors while temperatures in the area remained “dangerously low” over the next few days.
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Temperatures in Colorado Springs were dangerously cold Saturday morning, with local media reporting that temperatures were just 2 degrees.(Colorado Springs Fire Department)
“It is not safe to be outside walking, hiking or biking,” Lt. Jamie Gutschick said in a video message. “It is best to stay indoors over the next few days.”
Gutschick also said that individuals who ventured outdoors unprepared weren’t just putting themselves at risk, but also the firefighters who would have to come to their rescue.
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An arctic front is expected to chill the Colorado Springs area through Tuesday with temperatures barely going above 0 and wind chills making it feel subzero, local news outlets reported.
A year ago, the Denver Broncos had some questions about the future of their center position. However, during the bye, the Broncos answered those questions by extending one their starter.
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Even with that extension, the Broncos still have some questions about the position’s future, partly due to the structure of the deal they granted and the position’s depth.
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Our last installment in this positional series was at offensive guard, where the Broncos are very strong and deep. As we continue breaking down each position on the Broncos’ roster ahead of training camp, let’s examine where things stand at center.
Starter
Luke Wattenberg
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Wattenberg is the starter and will remain so after the big extension Denver gave him in November 2025. Before the extension, his play was solid, but afterward, he looked like a top 10 center in the NFL — then he suffered a shoulder injury.
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Wattenberg’s long-term place with the Broncos will depend entirely on his play, as his four-year, $48 million deal is structured so that Denver can get out of it after the 2027 season. It’s essentially a two-year deal for about $25 million.
If Wattenberg isn’t cutting it or can’t stay healthy, the Broncos could move on and save themselves $23 million. He’s missed six games to injury since becoming the starter in 2024, so the Broncos’ depth could be tested with Wattenberg as the guy.
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Backup
Denver Broncos center Alex Forsyth (54) during the game Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Alex Forsyth
The backup spot is held by Forsyth, a solid run blocker who struggles in pass protection. He has seen the field some over the last two years. When Forsyth stepped in for Wattenberg late last season, he looked much the same as he did in the same role in 2024.
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There are still questions about Forsyth, not only with his play but also with the fact that he is entering the final year of his rookie deal as a 2023 seventh-round draft pick. Denver could be looking for a new backup center after this season, as he could decide he wants a chance to start elsewhere and walk in free agency, especially with six career starts on his resume.
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Wattenberg will be the starter for 2026 and 2027, so long as he avoids the injury bug. He hasn’t been able to stay on the field since taking over for Lloyd Cushenberry III as the starter in 2024, so if the best predictor of future outcomes is past outcomes, the Broncos had better be prepared for Forsyth to see the field at some point in 2026.
The Others
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Washington Commanders guard Michael Deiter (60) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Gavin Ortega and Michael Deiter
Oretega is an undrafted rookie the Broncos brought in, and he has a chance to compete for a practice squad spot. The Broncos brought Deiter in last year after injuries to Wattenberg and Forsyth.
There isn’t a spot for either of these players on the 53-man roster, barring preseason injuries, and it can be tough to keep two centers on the practice squad, even if the players have guard versatility.
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The Takeaway
While the Broncos have the starting job locked up with Wattenberg for the next two years, their depth is still questionable. Forsyth hasn’t shown the development you want to see, and will be a free agent after this season.
Denver could find itself looking for a center in the 2027 NFL draft to develop in case Wattenberg’s play drops off, or if he isn’t able to sustain the high level of play he displayed after getting his extension late last year.
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