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An update on Walker, along with a few other players...
Recovering Walker on schedule to participate fully in training camp
By Bill Wilson
The Daily Times-Call
ENGLEWOOD — For the first time in nearly a year, Javon Walker feels he’s part of a team.
The much-anticipated receiver participated in a limited capacity during the Denver Broncos’ mini camp Thursday, marking his first significant activity since he joined the team this spring after a
trade with the Green Bay Packers.
It was a refreshing development for Walker, who tore his right ACL in the Packers’ 2005 season opener, then experienced a falling out with the team
and All-Pro quarterback Brett Favre, spurring the trade.
Although Walker’s knee isn’t completely healed, he’s on schedule to be ready to participate fully on the first day of training camp July 28.
His mental health, however, couldn’t be better.
“When you’re watching, you just want to get out there with the guys, talk a little trash and have fun,” he said. “Finally that I’m out there, I can wear my helmet and run routes and do what everyone else is doing. That’s a big confidence lifter for me.”
Walker participated for close to an hour Thursday. He ran routes, making several cuts on the repaired knee, but withdrew once the receivers began one-on-one drills with Broncos defensive backs.
Denver coach Mike Shanahan said that decision was his, not Walker’s.
“He’s biting at the bit,” Shanahan said. “We don’t want to put him in a situation where he’s competing against other players right now, because he would probably push himself a little bit too hard at this stage.”
Walker, who insists on not wearing a knee brace, said he still considers himself within the rehabilitation process. But he was encouraged by Thursday’s activities.
“It feels good,” he said. “Obviously, there’s still a little ways to go, but hopefully it will be ready.”
Once Walker is healthy, the Broncos hope he will return to being the player who caught 89 passes for 1,382 yards and 12 touchdowns with Green Bay in 2004. Such a threat would help balance the Denver passing attack, which has been forced to rely mostly on 11-year veteran Rod Smith for the past five years.
“Javon is a big-time football player. That’s what’s exciting about it,” Denver receivers coach Steve Watson said. “You don’t have to worry about whether or not he’s going to catch the football.”
Going places: Although the Broncos’ evaluation process is barely dawning, Thursday’s minicamp provided an early glimpse of who is leading some key position battles.
Running back and former Colorado State standout Cecil Sapp ran with the first team at fullback, suggesting an early edge over incumbent Kyle Johnson. Shanahan said he has noticed a significant progression from Sapp, who began his career on the Broncos’ practice squad in 2003.
“He’s a guy I feel is talented enough to be the starting fullback or the starting tailback,” Shanahan said. “He’s that type of athlete.”
As expected, tailback Ron Dayne took the majority of snaps with the first team. He is expected to battle Tatum Bell for the job.
Receiver Darius Watts, who has earned hearty praise from Shanahan this offseason, appears to have leapfrogged fifth-year receiver David Terrell. Broncos coaches love Watts’ speed and athleticism.
Tight end Nate Jackson saw time with the first-team offense. He will battle veteran Stephen Alexander and rookie Tony Scheffler for the starting position.
Not forgotten: Although lost in the publicity surrounding proven veteran Jake Plummer and first-round draft pick Jay Cutler at the quarterback position, Shanahan said backup Bradlee Van Pelt is still very much in the mix.
The former CSU quarterback ran with the second team Thursday, impressing the coach.
“He’s been throwing the ball very well,” Shanahan said. “In fact, today is one of the best days he’s had since he’s been here. He’s a worker. He works on doing the little things the right way.”
______________________________
Plummer offered plea deal: Plummer has been offered a plea bargain in an alleged April road rage incident, according to The Associated Press.
Englewood prosecutors presented the deal to Plummer’s attorney, Dugan Comer, who will discuss it with the quarterback.
Plummer was issued a summons in May alleging he kicked a headlight of a car belonging to Denver resident Douglas Stone, then backed his vehicle into Stone’s.
Plummer denies the allegations.
Recovering Walker on schedule to participate fully in training camp
By Bill Wilson
The Daily Times-Call
ENGLEWOOD — For the first time in nearly a year, Javon Walker feels he’s part of a team.
The much-anticipated receiver participated in a limited capacity during the Denver Broncos’ mini camp Thursday, marking his first significant activity since he joined the team this spring after a
trade with the Green Bay Packers.
It was a refreshing development for Walker, who tore his right ACL in the Packers’ 2005 season opener, then experienced a falling out with the team
and All-Pro quarterback Brett Favre, spurring the trade.
Although Walker’s knee isn’t completely healed, he’s on schedule to be ready to participate fully on the first day of training camp July 28.
His mental health, however, couldn’t be better.
“When you’re watching, you just want to get out there with the guys, talk a little trash and have fun,” he said. “Finally that I’m out there, I can wear my helmet and run routes and do what everyone else is doing. That’s a big confidence lifter for me.”
Walker participated for close to an hour Thursday. He ran routes, making several cuts on the repaired knee, but withdrew once the receivers began one-on-one drills with Broncos defensive backs.
Denver coach Mike Shanahan said that decision was his, not Walker’s.
“He’s biting at the bit,” Shanahan said. “We don’t want to put him in a situation where he’s competing against other players right now, because he would probably push himself a little bit too hard at this stage.”
Walker, who insists on not wearing a knee brace, said he still considers himself within the rehabilitation process. But he was encouraged by Thursday’s activities.
“It feels good,” he said. “Obviously, there’s still a little ways to go, but hopefully it will be ready.”
Once Walker is healthy, the Broncos hope he will return to being the player who caught 89 passes for 1,382 yards and 12 touchdowns with Green Bay in 2004. Such a threat would help balance the Denver passing attack, which has been forced to rely mostly on 11-year veteran Rod Smith for the past five years.
“Javon is a big-time football player. That’s what’s exciting about it,” Denver receivers coach Steve Watson said. “You don’t have to worry about whether or not he’s going to catch the football.”
Going places: Although the Broncos’ evaluation process is barely dawning, Thursday’s minicamp provided an early glimpse of who is leading some key position battles.
Running back and former Colorado State standout Cecil Sapp ran with the first team at fullback, suggesting an early edge over incumbent Kyle Johnson. Shanahan said he has noticed a significant progression from Sapp, who began his career on the Broncos’ practice squad in 2003.
“He’s a guy I feel is talented enough to be the starting fullback or the starting tailback,” Shanahan said. “He’s that type of athlete.”
As expected, tailback Ron Dayne took the majority of snaps with the first team. He is expected to battle Tatum Bell for the job.
Receiver Darius Watts, who has earned hearty praise from Shanahan this offseason, appears to have leapfrogged fifth-year receiver David Terrell. Broncos coaches love Watts’ speed and athleticism.
Tight end Nate Jackson saw time with the first-team offense. He will battle veteran Stephen Alexander and rookie Tony Scheffler for the starting position.
Not forgotten: Although lost in the publicity surrounding proven veteran Jake Plummer and first-round draft pick Jay Cutler at the quarterback position, Shanahan said backup Bradlee Van Pelt is still very much in the mix.
The former CSU quarterback ran with the second team Thursday, impressing the coach.
“He’s been throwing the ball very well,” Shanahan said. “In fact, today is one of the best days he’s had since he’s been here. He’s a worker. He works on doing the little things the right way.”
______________________________
Plummer offered plea deal: Plummer has been offered a plea bargain in an alleged April road rage incident, according to The Associated Press.
Englewood prosecutors presented the deal to Plummer’s attorney, Dugan Comer, who will discuss it with the quarterback.
Plummer was issued a summons in May alleging he kicked a headlight of a car belonging to Denver resident Douglas Stone, then backed his vehicle into Stone’s.
Plummer denies the allegations.
- Hosea 10:12
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