For most of his rookie season, Tim Tebow has had to rely on mental reps during the practice week with Kyle Orton taking a majority of the real snaps with the first-team offense.
That changed Wednesday with Orton limited in practice by injured ribs. Interim Head Coach Eric Studesville said Tebow took the majority of the first-team reps as he and Brady Quinn helped get the offense ready for Sunday’s game in Oakland.
“I think just getting more opportunities out there — more reps — that’s a lot of fun for me,” Tebow said. “That’s a chance to really work and improve and learn this offense even more. If I get an opportunity on Sunday, that’ll be exciting as well.”
Both Studesville and Offensive Coordinator Mike McCoy said they were pleased with Tebow’s practice showing, expressing confidence in the 2010 first-round pick, who has not seen extended snaps in a game since the preseason.
“He did a nice job in practice yesterday,” McCoy said. “He went in there and ran the huddle, did a nice job throwing the football and going through alert systems and everything else in the run game.”
But that doesn’t mean Orton — who has started 28 of the team’s past 29 games — won’t be ready to play Sunday.
Studesville said Orton could thereotically start without taking many — or any — practice reps this week, but he will wait until later in the week to make a decision. The coach said the starter will continue to get treatment on the ribs and rest as much as possible. McCoy said he is planning as if Orton, who was limited again in Thursday’s session, will play.
Orton hurt the ribs in Sunday’s game in Arizona. Tebow warmed up, but the sixth-year signal caller didn’t miss a snap. That’s an example of Orton’s toughness that has Brandon Lloyd believing the banged-up quarterback will be ready to go on Sunday.
“If Kyle can walk, he will play,” Lloyd said. “You really admire that because of the sacrifice and sacrificing his body for the betterment of the team.”
Tebow said he didn’t believe the game plan heading into Sunday’s rematch with the Raiders would change based on who was under center. Until Orton’s status becomes more clear, the rookie is happy to take advantage of his opportunity.
After consistently talking about being ready for any situation, Tebow said his approach has paid off now that he is spending more time in practice working on the Broncos offense than running the scout team.
“I think just by trying to study hard all year and be ready for any opportunity helps,” Tebow said. “Now, getting to go out there and physically do it helps a lot.”
A day after seven Broncos missed practice, five of them returned for Thursday’s workout.
Brandon Lloyd (calf) returned to full participation after classifying Wednesday as “a rest day.” Kevin Alexander (ankle), David Bruton (ribs), Matt Prater (right groin) and Marcus Thomas (ankle) practiced on a limited basis.
Studesville said he is hopeful about Prater’s progress but indicated the team won’t decide whether to keep two kickers on the active roster heading into Sunday’s game until later in the week. The Broncos used recently signed Steven Hauschka in Week 14 with Prater out of action.
“(Prater) is going to kick today,” Studesville said. “We are going to get him out there and kick the ball a little bit today and get him going and see where we are with that.”
Brian Dawkins (knee) and Demaryius Thomas (ankle) missed practice for the second straight day, and Jamal Williams (non-injury) also got the workout off.
Darcel McBath (quadricep) went from full participation on Wednesday to limited participation on Thursday.
Eric Decker (foot) and Spencer Larsen (hamstring) practiced fully for the second straight day.
Oakland also got back several players on Thursday with LB Rolando McClain (foot) being the only Raider to miss practice.
DB Nnamdi Asomugha (ankle), WR Johnnie Lee Higgins (ankle), DT Richard Seymour (knee), QB Kyle Boller (quadricep), S Hiram Eugene (ribs) and WR Nick Miller (ankle) were all limited in practice. T Khalif Barnes (back), S Tyvon Branch (shoulder), LB Travis Goethel (knee), CB Chris Johnson and TE Zach Miller fully participated in the session.
- Eric Detweiler, DenverBroncos.com
Below are some photos from Thursday’s workout:
Tags: 2010, Denver Broncos, Kyle Orton, Tim Tebow, Week 15
The funny thing about every single practice under Studs is there has been no description of them anywhere on these reports, like it used to be done under McD. Totally different approach, it’s like the writers have been muzzled by the current regime so they can’t talk about it. Interesting to say the least, strange that I’ve been the only one mentionning it since it seems like an important change from the previous regime to me.
I smell a change in the wind. Start Tim Tebow already.
Yeah, I’m thinking maybe Bowlen has ordered things to be confidential for the rest of the year to minimize any negative attention, just because there have been a lot of distractions this season.
From things I’ve been reading it seems like Tebow might have a real shot at playing this weekend. I won’t read too much into though, there’s going to be a lot of hype with even the slightest possibility that it might happen. But if it does I can’t wait. I’m very curious to see what he’ll do with his opportunity.
To tell you the truth I do not think of any other better way than Tebow starting in this game in Oakland! We all hate Oakland and I love that Tebow stood up and said that “the black hole doesn’t scare me”. He has waited all season long for this chance to play and now I hope he has it!! Knowing my luck though, Orton is scared that if Tebow comes in that he could start the rest of the games resulting in a good performance! Just like Lloyd said, Orton will play as long as he can walk on his feet! I am almost certain that Orton will say that he will start and it looks like Studs will let him! Studs was quoted saying that the thing that would be best for Orton now is to get some mental reps since he has been worn down over the season! I haven’t gotten to watch the video on today yet but McCoy said that Tebow looked really good all day yesterday and threw and commanded the offense very well!!
I guess we shall see on Sunday but I for one am not expection Tebow to play!! If he does, I just got my authentic Tebow orange jersey in a few days ago so it will be ready to go!!!
I LOVE ME SOME BRONCOS COUNTRY!!
Haha, sorry for the poor grammer!! I am in a hurry!
Hahaha, and now I can’t even spell grammar!!
Bay
Unfortunately my prediction is 60-0 to the Raiders because my feeling is the team is done in for this year..
But here is hoping I am wrong, Tim Tebow does play and has a scorcher.
I don’t mind being wrong, I just hate the Broncos losing.
By the way Milehighmagic said the other day that Bobby Turner went to the Texans but I think he is actually with Shanny at the Redskins.
yeah, “in a few days ago”, that was kind of like timeless prose, haha.
Crazy, 0-60 it is, crazy, haha….
If we win you are obviously a shoe in for the Wall of Shame, but the odds of that are so small I bet someone with a wild score us winning will get on it instead.
baylinorcrush–
I think you’re confused. The only time there are descriptions of practices — drills, etc. — is during training camp, when we are outside for the entirety of practice. During the season, there is a 10-minute photography period at the beginning of practice, and that’s it.
Since Studsville keeps saying that they’re going to do whatever it takes to put the team in the best position to win on sundays, then he better put Tebow in because I truly think he gives the Broncos the best chance to win. Go Broncos!
Release the Tebow!!!
That is about all I can say after last week’s embarrassment. Well, I guess not, let me add that I made the cardinal mistake of playing my favorite team on two of my fantasy teams….. and Denver’s defense along with Kyle’s offense was nothing of the sort. Getting my butt whooped in the first round of the playoffs because of my beloved Broncos awful play was humiliating and painful. The only thing that might cheer me up is to see Tebow play with some enthusiasm. So I say again, Release the Tebow!
Gray, I just went back through a few practice reports under McD and you are right, time must really fly at my age that I was thinking back to preseason, oh my, and no wonder I was the only one noticing it, haha. Anyhow, so that’s how we get you to talk to us, just saying something outrageous, haha, just kidding, thanks for setting me straight.
No, release Brady Quinn instead, haha.
Bay,
Are you really confused? This one could run and run. HaHa.
No matter how confused you may be I think that you are more like Confucious, and we all come to you for the true facts and common sense.
And there are many times I have spotted Gray Caldwell making howlers.
No offence Gray but it does make me laugh even if they just typos.
Trade Quinn to the Vikings when the seasons over. Haha.
Gray,
I knew it, I missed out “are”.
It happens to us all
Ya with all the knowledge that Bay has, that just blows me away. He should maybe be getting a pay check from the Broncos . LOL. Just kidding.
What you mean “just kidding”, I think that’s a grand idea, LOL.
ha well, I’m not going to set myself up for disappointment, when Tebow does play it wont be like some miracle will happen and we will start winning games. I think in Tebow’s first 5 starts he will be relatively average, but will have flashes of greatness, after that is anyones guess. I do believe he is our future, but at this point he is a rookie and still has to learn his way around the NFL. I would like to see Tebow walk onto the field and look like a hall of famer from day one though, that would be nice. I’ll keep my fingers crossed. Sorry to root against you Lloyd, but I have had enough of Orton, he is like 11-18 as a starter here, he isn’t cutting it! ITS TEBOW TIME!!!
The question is can the Broncos afford Bay? His gems must be worth a King’s ransom.
I wonder what the starting rate is?
MORE MONEY! And you don`t even have to leave Texas. Just sign hear on the dotted line please.
How about The GM job? Crazier things have happened.
Confucius:
Confucius presents himself as a “transmitter who invented nothing”. He puts the greatest emphasis on the importance of study.
Pretty good fit.
they need to stop teasing us and just play the guy already so he could shut all the tebow haters up out there
My memory is usually my greatest ally but obviously Gray discovered a real bad memory lapse there, LOL.
I SECOND THAT. PLAY EM.
Damn Pub…
Drink more beer Bay. That will remedy any lapses.
LOL
Please quit teasing Tebow and let the man play,for God sake Orton is just horrible and the season is lost.
Tebow is not afraid of the Black Hole so let him play,maybe he will lighten up the Black Hole.
He will be our Luke Skywalker against their Darth Vader………
Death to Darth Vader and his Black A Hole.haha
Oh yeah..F.T.R.
Bay,too much beer kills your brain cells,remember you told me that.LOL.
Beer! Beer! Beer! GO BRONCO`S!
Maybe Tim Tebow is a Jedi and is going to get out his light sabor and slay the wicked. And the head Sith is al davis. The hc is darth whatever. The players are the clones. And the fans are the dark force that surounds the evil empire. Ya thats it.
Nothing to loose!
Play the KID already!!!
A lot of people are wanting to see Tebow start including us fans:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81cf5d8b/article/tebow-other-young-qbs-need-to-be-evaluated-closely
We need to evaluate him!
Thanks for that link BFE, I loved that line the most:
If Tebow does start Sunday, it shouldn’t be by default. It should be by choice.
Bay
Thanks for the post I should post more. I have fallen behind in expressing my opinions like I normally have done in years past. Have had some personal issues that have prevented me from posting as often as I would like. But I always read and try to keep up.
Thanks FTR
Standoftds
I laughed at your story about explaining the Dark Hole and the Hated Raiders! All family members young and old in the Bronco family should be schooled in how to hate the fadiers!! Football knowledge or not. LOL!
FTR
BFE92
I am with ya Bro on the FTR thing.
FTR
Bay
Have we not gone over your pay for knowledge structured contact before? And you still have not been offered a tender!! What a shame. Like I have said before you are a Wiki on the Broncos! And are the keeper of all here! If not paid you are at least appreciated by all!
Just saying.
FTR
Thanks FTR, I hope whatever issues are holding you back work themselves out for you, and now for real FTR!
Here is to hope everyone is rooting for the 49ers tonight, maybe a chance for the Chargers not repeating as champions for the fifth time in a row!
looks like the 49ers had some chances but are shootin themselves in the foot. hate the san diego stupid chargers. i hope tebow plays the last 3 games. im the only one who watches football in the house but when tebow comes in i yell TEBOW TIME and my sons who are 9 and 6 show interest (junior broncos fans in training) as well as my wife. we have been offered tickets to 3 sd games this year and i refuse to let my boys be at a sd game for their first. even if its a bronco game. thats why their first game will be next year in denver. and my first home game. and i hoping to see chucky on the side lines and watch TEBOW as our qb. its TEBOW TIME.
Damn 49ers…
49ers suck and like i tell my buddy so does alex smith.
So as I sit here watching this game it’s funny how everyone loves Rivers throwing motion but hates Tebow’s motion. They look very similar to me!! These announcers are a joke!!
I am a R8R H8R 4 LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!FTR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I wished the Black Hole would suck up Al Davis and spit him out somewhere in B.F. Egypt!!!!!!!!!