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Emmanuel Sanders is still recovering from a hamstring injury that he sustained Aug. 6. When he returns, likely this week, he could add another job to his growing resume with the Broncos: punt returner.
Sanders was in the conversation to return punts when training camp opened, but the idea seemed to fade after a couple days of drill work in practices.
Omar Bolden was named the team’s leading returner on both kickoffs and punts, but his experience is more with the former. And after three preseason games, the Broncos are averaging a league-worst 1.7 yards per punt return and are tied for a league-leading three fumbles.
“I’m concerned the way we’re handling the ball. That’s the biggest thing,” coach Gary Kubiak said after Saturday’s win over the 49ers. “Omar can make some big plays, but we haven’t handled the ball very well. We’ve put the ball on the ground the first punt return, if I’m correct, and fumbled another one. Obviously, we’ve got to settle down there. Emmanuel’s very capable and could be a great, great punt returner. We have to get him back. Obviously, protecting the ball is of the utmost importance.”
Sanders ran routes at full speed before Saturday’s game, a positive sign after missing more than three weeks. He isn’t expected to play in the final preseason game, at home against the Cardinals on Thursday, but the team hopes to have him back on the field this week.
“Had it have been a regular season game, I think Emmanuel would have been very close to playing or pushed to play,” Kubiak said. “But we’re right on schedule to where we want to be.”
Whether Sanders is on pace to return punts, too, remains to be seen.
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I don't like this idea at all. I think he is way to important to our offense and this is a good way to get him hurt.
Sanders was in the conversation to return punts when training camp opened, but the idea seemed to fade after a couple days of drill work in practices.
Omar Bolden was named the team’s leading returner on both kickoffs and punts, but his experience is more with the former. And after three preseason games, the Broncos are averaging a league-worst 1.7 yards per punt return and are tied for a league-leading three fumbles.
“I’m concerned the way we’re handling the ball. That’s the biggest thing,” coach Gary Kubiak said after Saturday’s win over the 49ers. “Omar can make some big plays, but we haven’t handled the ball very well. We’ve put the ball on the ground the first punt return, if I’m correct, and fumbled another one. Obviously, we’ve got to settle down there. Emmanuel’s very capable and could be a great, great punt returner. We have to get him back. Obviously, protecting the ball is of the utmost importance.”
Sanders ran routes at full speed before Saturday’s game, a positive sign after missing more than three weeks. He isn’t expected to play in the final preseason game, at home against the Cardinals on Thursday, but the team hopes to have him back on the field this week.
“Had it have been a regular season game, I think Emmanuel would have been very close to playing or pushed to play,” Kubiak said. “But we’re right on schedule to where we want to be.”
Whether Sanders is on pace to return punts, too, remains to be seen.
I don't like this idea at all. I think he is way to important to our offense and this is a good way to get him hurt.
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