The Denver Broncos will rely heavily on Australian giant Adam Gotsis in their NFL regular season opener after the team's defensive line was savaged by injury.
Melbourne-born Gotsis, who stands 193cm tall and weighs 130kg, is expected to start as a defensive end and get plenty of game time against the Los Angeles Chargers in Denver on Monday (Tuesday AEST).
Broncos' head coach Vance Joseph confirmed on Saturday injuries had ruled out two of his other defensive ends, Zach Kerr and Jared Crick.
Joseph said he expected Gotsis, in just his second year in the NFL, and third-year defensive end Shelby Harris, would continue their impressive pre-season form.
"That's why they're here," Joseph said.
"Gotsis is a second-round pick and he's a guy with a bright future.
"Shelby Harris had a hell of a camp.
"What they did in pre-season, I expect them to do on Monday night."
Australia's three other NFL players, all punters, will open their 2017/18 seasons on Sunday.
Lachlan Edwards' New York Jets play the Buffalo Bills, Brad Wing's New York Giants take on the Dallas Cowboys and Jordan Berry's Pittsburgh Steelers face the Cleveland Browns.
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