It is perhaps appropriate that the picture you see to the right side of the monitor is culled from the preseason. This year, that was Cedric Cobbs’ high point.
Cobbs powered his way into a roster spot by leading the running backs in carries, yards and average per rush during the August slate. The Broncos’ final preseason game saw Cobbs, Mike Bell and Tatum Bell play almost equally, and it appeared there might be a role for each member of the trio in Denver’s attack.
After the preseason finale, Head Coach Mike Shanahan embraced a tripartite notion: “Hopefully we can stay healthy, and if we stay healthy, all three guys can play.”
But that was a big “if,” and by the end of Week 2′s win over Kansas City, an ankle injury had removed Cobbs from the equation and would keep him in rehabilitation and treatment for the following month.
Cobbs spraind his ankle after diving after a football that he’d muffed on the opening kickoff of the overtime period against Kansas City. A day later, he was on crutches, which would be his accompaniments for the following week, and he remained on the sidelines until Tatum Bell was scratched for the game at Pittsburgh with an injury of his own. Cobbs carried three times for nine yards that day, and then returned to the bench, as the following week saw Damien Nash promoted from the practice squad to spell the elder Bell when he was injured. Cobbs and Mike Bell watched from the sidelines as inactives for that win over Oakland. Seven nights later against San Diego, Mike Bell returned to action, while Cobbs remained inactive, where he would stay for the rest of the season.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Has been in the NFL for three seasons (one spent only on the practice squad), but has played in just six games — two in 2006 and four in his 2004 rookie season … Turned 26 years old last month … Career rushing average on 25 carries is 2.4 yards.
NEXT: Safety Curome Cox.
Tags: 2006 Season Review, Cedric Cobbs, Offense, Running backs
Cedric is a great back, in the few moments he got to showcase himself I was very impressed. With a knack for hitting the hole, and an ability to open plays . Hope to see this guy around next season to see him healthy again
Cobbs has ton of potential if healthy. His athleticism as a “World Class” sprinter/hurdler shows is an example of what he is capable of. The fact remains that this is a “show Me League” and Cedric is running out of oppertunities. We need a back that we can rally around and rely on. Facts are facts, he is literally running out of oppertunities. Time will tell.
We need to let the guy go or just use him still on the practice squad, he has not been consistant for the last 3 years and you have two other quality backs, still not exactly what were looking for like TD, but at least they are productive if you look at total numbers, and unless he is hurting our salary cap he is a good practice squad guy as he continues to get older. Either you have it in a year or two in that position or you don’t, the competition just keeps getting better.
we should let fullbacks kick return more often.