Easily the most encouraging sign for the Broncos at their practice Monday afternoon was the presence of a full corps at running back, with Travis Henry, Mike Bell and Andre Hall each returning to uniform.
None of the tailbacks practiced last week, and Hall has missed the last two weeks — plus the final two sessions of training camp — with a right-hamstring injury. While all three were on the field Monday, Henry will not play Thursday night, as Head Coach Mike Shanahan confirmed Monday that he will hold the starters out of the preseason finale with Arizona, just as he has in other preseason-closing games the last six years.
Henry, however, doesn’t believe he needs another game to work back into speed.
“I think this week alone should get me ready for the opener,” he said. “I think this is a big week for me. I’ll get a chance to run with the scout team and get my legs under me and by next week I should be ready to go.”
Henry also said he practiced without pain, “but today, they just wanted me to feel my way,” he said, “so I was picking and choosing when I burst. (Today’s practice) was to see where I was, and it worked out great.”
But this was also a practice that heralded the hardest week of the year, at least emotionally speaking, as the Broncos trim more than one-third of their roster in whittling down to 53 by the weekend.
“It’s really a tough time. People work their whole career to get to the National Football League, and you have to sit down with them and tell them that the thing they’re working for — at least here — isn’t going to work out,” Shanahan said. “This is toughest part of the job … especially with the people that have worked so hard to make themselves a part of the team.
There were a number of players absent from Monday’s two-hour practice session.
Offensive tackles Ryan Harris and Adam Meadows, wide receiver Rod Smith and guard Ben Hamilton were not in uniform as practice began Monday; all four have grappled with injuries that have kept them sidelined for at least the last two preseason games. Running back Cedric Cobbs, fullback Troy Fleming, tight end Teyo Johnson, wide receiver David Kircus, defensive end Kenard Lang, kicker Brandon Pace, wide receiver David Terrell and defensive tackle Demetrin Veal were also not on the field.
Shanahan declined to comment regarding the players not on the field.
“We don’t talk about that today. There’s a number of players that didn’t work out today,” he said. “We’ll announce that (Tuesday).”
The Broncos and their 31 NFL brethren will trim their rosters to 75 players by 2 p.m. MDT on Tuesday, so no cuts have officially been made.
More later today — specifically a breakdown of the numbers from the preseason to date. Until then, vaya con Dios.
Tags: Andre Hall, Mike Bell, Running backs, Travis Henry
Andrew, who are your top 53?
I don’t see how Andre Hall will make this team with the way Selvin Young played. Selvin would get picked up on waivers if they cut him so no hope for the practice squad.
i dont see how even Selvin makes the cut Henry Sapp and Bell i think have it locked up. I am sad to see Bell loosing the chance at playing time. I would love to see all three backs get 1000 yards this season hahaha they are all great but i dont think we see any new faces this year
I don’t know, I think Selvin Young looked better than Sapp and Bell.
pencil in sapp @ fullback – Young has so much more upside – Hall better pray for miracles on Thursday.
I think Selvin is a better back than Bell was in his first year, but I wouldnt say he is acutually better than the second year back. Would it be possible to see Selvin out there against the first team cardnals this thursday Andrew? I mean Mike did say he looked a step faster than everyone out there, but who was really out there? The D-Line did really well stuffing up the middle saterday do you think they are starting to show some upside?
Andrew:
Thanks for the update. I hope Hall is 100% and can show his stuff. If you mom was asking about Hall, then I am sure your mom is also stoked for some Bulls football.
To the rest:
Andre Hall is your fastest back and from what I read during training camp was the only real change of pace back. If he is 100% I doubt he will dissapoint.
I have to disagree with Anonymous. Young offers more versatility on the outside. He has great speed and if he gets past LB’s & DB’s he’s gone. We have a strong back in Henry, a great all purpose back in Sapp. I would like to see the line-up as follows. Henry, Sapp, Young. When utilized right each back will be successful. The only problem I have with Bell is he trys to run everybody over. He has had some success, however looking long term, I like the change of pace that Young could offer. Unfortunately the wrong play was called for the personell during the 2 point conversion try. Shannahan should of paid attention to what back was in the game. Young is not a between the tackles back. He should of sent him outside, which no one would of expected. Although it was just a “pre-season game”, I felt that was a bad call, and at least had Young scored that would have given the offense more confidence. Anyone else concerned with Jay Cutler always throwing from his back foot? Just food for thought.
I felt more concerned about Jay not protecting the ball with both hands before he passed, many times after a pump fake or change of mind he would hold it with one hand for the defense to get it.
I like bell because is learning and getting better everday. The fact that he runs over the first guy, gets into the open field, and creates moves that make your jaw drop is another reason to like him. finally he has heart and brocncos football is what he grew up on. henry, bell, and young are my picks. as far as Cutler he will be alright, My concern with our offence is the pass protection. not to many poeple talk about it but I see our line declining a little. I still love them hope to see great things.
buckin:
I’d love to give you my 53, but as a team employee, it probably isn’t wise for me to share my prediction publicly.
Andrew,
I saw that the Titans picked up Corey Simon today. Do you have any insight on why the Broncos did not look at this guy? His game seems to fit in perfectly with the Broncos new defensive system.
bcc….Because he S—-! Just ask the Colts about him. I can’t believe the Titans picked him up….and now, they’re stuck with guaranteeing his salary if he makes the final cut.
If people thought Warren didn’t play hard all the time, they’re in for a ‘treat’ with Simon….lol.
Sports Illustrated
I couldn’t understand some parts of this article, but it sounds interesting