Donald Stephenson "absolutely" will be the Broncos' starting right tackle Sunday against the New York Jets, coach Vance Joseph affirmed.

Stephenson, who returned from an early-season calf injury, relieved Allen Barbre at RT in Week 13 and mostly held his own. The Dolphins logged three sacks in their 35-9 victory, none of which were charged to Stephenson.

“I’ll tell you what, I was really impressed with him," said Joseph. "Again, you don’t play perfect football games, but against a [Dolphins DE] Cameron Wake to battle that way and block that guy most of the time, I was impressed with Donald.”

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Barbre will continue rotating with Max Garcia at left guard, while Elijah Wilkinson likely will remain as the swing tackle behind Stephenson and Garett Bolles.

It appears Connor McGovern is on track to work beside Stephenson, starting at right guard for the injured Ronald Leary (back). Leary, who sat out the Dolphins game, did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday.

“If he was healthy enough to play, he would play," said Joseph. "He’s getting better slowly. If he was healthy enough to play, he would play, simple as that.”

The Jets are tied for 22nd in the NFL with 24 sacks. Their star defensive linemen, Muhammad Wilkerson and Leonard Williams, have combined for just four-and-a-half takedowns.

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