The Broncos hit the practice field for the fourth day of training camp Sunday afternoon, spending almost three hours in pads during one of those days where many of the players probably felt a mile closer to the sun than their offseason homes.

But the fans that braved the heat, and there was a lot of them judging by the packed hill, were rewarded as they were treated to an exciting day where the team focused heavily on red zone plays.

ROLL CALL
Newly acquired running back Willis McGahee and wide receiver David Anderson attended practice for the first time. Neither can participate until the new league year starts on Thursday, but both actively watched their new team. McGahee barely left the side of Running Backs Coach Eric Studesville, constantly asking him questions and trying to learn as much as he can about his new offense.

Linebacker D.J. Williams didn’t practice after sitting out Saturday morning’s padded practice, although he participated in the walkthrough Saturday evening. Running back LenDale White sat out practice as well with back spasms. Linebacker Dominic Douglas was waived.

The Broncos took the field Saturday night for a one hour and 15 minute walkthrough practice open only to the media. The players split into two groups — first and second team — and ran through various plays, sets and formations for about the first hour of practice. The last 15 minutes focused solely on special teams.

ROLL CALL
Linebacker D.J. Williams participated in the evening walkthrough after sitting out the morning practice. McBean, Woodyard and Prater looked on from the periphery of the drills but aren’t allowed to practice until Aug. 4.

Saturday morning’s practice brought a welcomed sight as the Broncos took the field in pads for the first time.

It was another hot morning at Dove Valley, but the players were admittedly excited to be back in pads and the energy picked up on the field as a result, with playmakers coming alive once again throughout the session.

ROLL CALL
After leaving the field yesterday with injuries, rookies Von Miller and Quinton Carter were both back for the start of today’s practice. Both showed no sign of limitation as they rejoined their respective position groups.

In addition to Brian Dawkins — who has yet to practice — veterans D.J. Williams and Renaldo Hill did not participate. All three watched practice in shorts from the sideline.

And fresh after signing their respective tenders, linebacker Wesley Woodyard, kicker Matt Prater and defensive lineman Ryan McBean took in practice from the sidelines as well. The three are not able to take part in practices until the start of the new league year — next Thursday.

The Broncos hit the field again Friday morning for their third practice, again without pads. This was easily the hottest practice in the early going of camp, due mostly to the humidity.

As players walked out of the locker room onto the field, there were a lot of exclamations of “Woo!” and “Oh my God!” even from Miami native Orlando Franklin. Nate Jones just went with a, “Nice and cool out here.”

ROLL CALL
There were plenty of new faces present, as earlier in the day the team inked third-round pick Nate Irving, meaning the club’s entire 2011 NFL Draft class is now under contract.

Irving wasn’t on the field at the start of practice, but made his way out a little later and jumped right into the action. Second-rounder Rahim Moore entered the fray as well, and in his first practice joined fellow rookie Quinton Carter in taking reps with the first-unit defense.

Here we are, back at Dove Valley for the start of another training camp. The fields are green and pristine, the sun made for a hot Denver day, and players and coaches seemed excited to finally trot back out onto the field and get to work.

The first day is always exciting — this one just seems to have a little extra oomph, with what was such a drama-filled offseason swirling around the NFL.

With no minicamps or OTAs, a handful of players are meeting each other for the first time, so there were a lot of hugs and handshakes during the stretch period early in practice.

Without further adieu, let’s get to the first practice blog of the season.

ROLL CALL
Brian Dawkins didn’t participate in practice this morning, though he had on his jersey, a Broncos bucket hat and long pants as he stuck with his fellow defensive backs throughout practice. Occasionally he dropped back on his own on the sideline, simulating the reps his teammates were taking. The other starting safety from last season, Renaldo Hill, wasn’t at practice. Head Coach John Fox said after the session that Hill was absent due to dehydration.

Demaryius Thomas walked onto the field late in the session, posting up on the sideline as he watched his teammates run through practice. He posted on Twitter this morning that it’s “time to get work in…mentally.“

A.J. Pierce, Jordan Clayton, Rudy Trijo, Robert Knight and Mary Lopez continued their annual tradition of lining up to be the first fans in for the Broncos’ opening practice of training camp.

The group arrived to the team’s training facilities at 3 a.m., as they do each year. While several hundred other fans tailgated in the parking lot, Pierce, Clayton, Trijo, Knight and Lopez patiently awaited the 7:50 a.m. opening of the gates.

“We just wanted to keep the tradition rolling,” Pierce said. “It’s exciting. It’s a fun environment and a good atmosphere. We come to several practices each camp.”

While the group is eager to get a look at the rookies, they are most excited to see their favorite veteran players.

“Probably (Brian) Dawkins or Champ Bailey,” Pierce said. “Also, Von Miller – he is going to be a beast.”

The team has 18 practices scheduled –- all of which will be free and open to the public.

-Stuart Zaas