The Broncos announced their first round of cuts late Thursday afternoon, but the biggest news of the afternoon came with concurrent word that Rod Smith will start the season on the physically-unable-to-perform list.
Smith, who underwent hip surgery six months ago, has been in rehabilitation ever since. He was seen running following training-camp practices; however, he only began running in late July after being confined to working out in a pool in previous months.
Placement on the PUP list buys him and the Broncos 12 weeks before making a determination whether to move him to the 53-man roster or place him on injured reserve.
A player must remain sidelined as PUP for the first six weeks of the regular season. Smith then is eligible to practice for three weeks before a final decision is made — but the Broncos do not have to make that choice until three weeks after the initial six-week PUP stint concludes.
This means the Broncos actually have until Week 12 to determine whether Smith could play before being faced with the choice of moving him to the 53-man roster or injured reserve.
The latter option, of course, would end his season.
Last year, Domenik Hixon was designated as PUP after a protracted recovery from a fractured metatarsal bone; he would end up practicing for three weeks — as is permitted when placed on the PUP list — before moving to injured reserve.
The cuts were as expected based upon which players were absent from practice Tuesday, as reported earlier this afternoon.
Running back Cedric Cobbs … punter/kickoff specialist Paul Ernster … fullback Troy Fleming … safety Quentin Harris … tight end Teyo Johnson … wide receiver David Kircus … defensive end Kenard Lang … kicker Brandon Pace … wide receiver David Terrell … defensive tackle Demetrin Veal.
The Broncos also announced that Johnson, who played for the Hamburg Sea Devils of NFL Europa this spring, will be placed on injured reserve if he clears waivers. Fellow NFL Europa allocations Doug Neinhuis and Lamont Reid — neither of whom saw a snap of practice time this summer — were placed on the reserve/NFL Europa list for injuries they incurred during their spring overseas. Nienhuis injured his knee, while Reid suffered a pectoral-muscle injury.
Tags: Rod Smith
Man I hope he can make it back to the field. Hopefully six weeks is enough time to get into the groove again.
I am disappointed that Kirkus didn’t make the team. I liked his size and speed. Hopefully, Rod will see some action this season and be healthy for the postseason. I have no idea how they made the decision to cut Earnster, his stats killed Sauerbrun?????
I was really surprised to see the Broncos keep Sauerbrun over Ernster. I heard raves about Sauerbrun “really booming it” in practice, but when the chips were down in game time, Ernster was the one coming through with the clutch kicks.
Makes you wonder what skeletons in whose closet Sauerbrun knows about, huh?
Ian
Another Bronco God #80. He has a great work ethic and a lot of heart. Hopefully we get Rod for at least 1 more year. I would love to see his leadership and knowledge shine through for this younger offensive team. Just like when #7 hung up the cleats, it was hard to accept. I’ll feel the same way about #80. If you don’t make it back Rod, thanks for the spectacular catches and the sacrafice you made year after year so we could cheer from the comforts of our seats. You are a shoe-in for the Hall of Fame. Because when you shine off the field as much as on it, your in. Many young athletes on all levels could use you as a role model. Thanks and hope to see you on the feild this year.
OMG!
I will miss Rod! I don’t think we can go 9 weeks without him… Jay needs a Bronco vet to help him succeed. Rod is the ONE! Rod -get well soon! Champ - keep up the good work as well as John Lynch. Defense needs to step up to help our “franchise” quarterback”. OK, so I was here when the “million dollar quarterback” showed up…And look what happened. Back to back Super Bowl!!!!
I’ve got your back!!!
Diana
ouch!!! that hurts!!!!
but hey, six week is enough for a hardworking mean machine like rod!!
he has been through pain all of 2006 season… though it has affected somehow his skills, it still shows that it has the heart and the desire to play the game… with a bit of luck on week 6 or 7 we will have not just a duo pro bowl cornerback but also at wide receiver as well… so its up to our D-line to get the job done… it will be hecjk of a night on every opponent from there on!
Well, as someone that was 15 years old when Rod Smith got placed at WR for the 1st time in a Bronco Uniform, Very much thanks goes out to you #80. Thanks for the memories, over-the-middle, and one handed catches. You will be sorely missed in this offense and i hope you can get out there and give it another shot. My Wife and I made it to the preseason game this year in Dallas, and you know i was a little worried about our team this year… Until after the game when the guys came out to the buses and saw us standing there, (Thanks Javon, it’s hanging up in my living room!!) You know, it really doesnt matter about the hype, We’ve got a great team with alot of talent this year. I like what i see so far, and im sorry if i rub someone the wrong way about this, but I didnt think Kircus was a suitable reciever in our offense. (plus he didn’t make the #87 jersey SHINE like another reciever i have in mind) Good eye to the staff on that one. We’re looking forward to seeing what the team has in store for us this year, and our fingers are crossed as always!! Knock em dead this year guys!
GO BRONCOS!
Who is #69, J. Rogers? He is on the Depth Chart as a RT but not listed on the Roster. Is he on the team?
Whether or not Rod makes it back, He will always be the “Bronco” right along side the other greats! He will keep guiding all these young ones. He won’t go anywhere. Shanahan adopted him 13 years ago. Didn’t you all know that? Sorry about Kirkus and Ernster. I have an idea they will be back! Hopefully. Don’t fret, Rod will always be with us…………………………
I’m going to have to agree that losing David Kircus bums me out…I think he was an exciting player to watch, with the ability to make big-play highlight catches. He reminded me a lot of Ed McCaffrey. I would love to see him return some day..
And please, Todd Sauerbrun, start “un-corking” some of those 80 yard punts in games, will ya? And for crying out loud, kick the ball into the back of the end zone on kickoffs, it can’t be that hard. Having our opponent start their drives on their 20 yard line every time would lower the average starting position we afford the other team by like 40% or something over last year. For goodness’ sake.
Sorry to hear about your injury Rod. I heard you speech and I am so glad you decided to hit the field when your ready. I know you love the game and will miss it while you watch the other guys play. I have been in sports all my life and I could not hardly watch without wanting in the game. I am looking forward to you coming back and be in great shape. Love and miss you Rod. Go Broncos we are looking for a great year.
We need our vet Rod. Get better soon guy.
There is noone better than Rod Smith! Still praying for his healthy return!