A Week’s Work
After wading in and out of the lineup because of injuries, two Broncos could return to the defensive backfield this week.
In his Friday press conference, Interim Head Coach Eric Studesville said Andre’ Goodman and Darcel McBath had two good days of practice this week, and the team has another chance to judge the players’ health in Friday’s practice.
Mays, Gronkowski to IR
Two players who joined the Broncos in trades before the season are headed to the injured reserve.
After sustaining an ankle and knee injury, respectively, in Sunday’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Dan Gronkowski and Joe Mays are out for the remainder of the season.
Gronkowski, who had eight catches for 65 yards this season, suffered his injury in the second quarter but toughed it out to return to the game.
“He’s just a tough (player),” Head Coach Josh McDaniels said. “He (injured) it and then he went back in and taped it again at halftime. I love his toughness and we have a great deal of respect for what he tried to do yesterday, because he did not want to come out of the game. As a coach, you appreciate that a lot.”
While Gronkowski did not reinjure the ankle, the initial injury was severe enough to end his season.
McDaniels also discussed the loss of Mays, who has stepped in as a starter at middle linebacker in five of the previous six games, accumulating 40 tackles and a pass defensed this season.
Next Guy Up
With the news that five defensive players — including three starters — will sit out Sunday’s home matchup with the New York Jets, the Broncos locker room shared a simple philosophy.
“The next guy up has got to perform,” said David Bruton, who said he’ll be ready to take advantage of his opportunity if he’s asked to step in at safety with Brian Dawkins and Darcel McBath out.
Bruton started a Week 15 matchup against Oakland last season when Renaldo Hill sat out with an injury, registering five tackles and a pass breakup. He said that experience has made him more confident while approaching a similar circumstance this week.
Five Defenders Out
Robert Ayers, Brian Dawkins, Andre’ Goodman, Darcel McBath and Wesley Woodyard will miss Sunday’s home game against the Jets due to injury, Head Coach Josh McDaniels announced Monday.
The head coach did not rule out Demaryius Thomas, who left Sunday’s loss at Baltimore with a head and neck injury after a second-quarter kickoff return.
McDaniels did not discuss the nature of the injuries or how long the players might be out. McBath left Sunday’s game in the first quarter with an ankle injury and did not return, while Dawkins went down with a knee injury in the fourth quarter and didn’t return, according to press box injury updates.
Harris Out for Sunday
On Friday the Broncos’ injury report revealed right tackle Ryan Harris will be out with an ankle injury for Sunday’s game at Jacksonville.
According to the depth chart, rookie Zane Beadles is behind Harris, but Head Coach Josh McDaniels did not announce who would replace Harris in the starting lineup.
2010 Training Camp Day 4: P.M. Blog
After a brief lightning delay, the Broncos were back on the practice field for their evening workout. The rain subsided quickly, allowing players to take the field about thirty minutes later than the scheduled start of practice.
Fans readied themselves for the weather with raincoats and Broncos-orange ponchos, and two observers stood out in day-glo yellow jumpsuits.
Click to continue reading “2010 Training Camp Day 4: P.M. Blog”
Broncos Sign Fox; McBath to IR
Head Coach Josh McDaniels announced on Monday that rookie Darcel McBath will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a broken forearm against the Indianapolis Colts.
With McBath headed to IR, McDaniels also announced the team has signed safety Vernon Fox, who spent the 2008 season and 2009 training camp with the Broncos.
McBath was tied for the club lead in special teams tackles entering the Indianapolis game. He snared two interceptions in his rookie campaign.
McDaniels said Fox, who saw time in 10 games for the Broncos last season, will have an opportunity to fill in for McBath “right away” on special teams because of his familiarity with special teams coordinator Mike Priefer’s system during the preseason.
Open For BusinessThe footballs will be flying Thursday night at INVESCO Field at Mile High. The Big House will be open for business again.
The Broncos will hold their evening practice at INVESCO Field at Mile High. I’m not sure how long it has been since they have held a training camp practice there, but it seems like it has been a while.
“We are all looking forward to going down there,” Broncos’ head coach Josh McDaniels said. “Usually during this time of training camp, you get rejuvenated by going down there, putting the lights on and being in the stadium. It is a fun thing for all of us. Everybody is looking forward to it, and I hope there is a good turnout. I hope we put on a good show.”
Finding His Groove
After nearly two months of organized team activities, there is no question Darcel McBath is more comfortable now than he was upon his arrival to Dove Valley.
When he suited up for his first mini-camp practice with the Broncos on May 1, McBath – like all rookies – went through the typical growing pains associated with venturing into unchartered territory. But now, with OTAs in the rearview mirror and training camp on the horizon, McBath describes his current comfort level with the NFL game as “night and day” compared to his first few practices with the club.
“The first mini-camp we came to after the draft was pretty tough,” McBath said. “But after that we got used to it, and it’s just football. Once you get used to it, you get in the groove of things, you start playing better and you start feeling better about it.”