Tweet
Stokley could become steal
Coming off Achilles tendon injury, wide receiver feeling "ready to go"
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 07/29/2007 11:50:28 PM MDT
Brandon Stokley, a former Colts receiver in his ninth NFL season, already is catching attention at Broncos training camp. (Post / Steve Nehf)
When the Broncos signed wide receiver Brandon Stokley in March, they did not expect to see him in uniform on the opening day of training camp.
The initial medical diagnosis was that Stokley, the former No. 3 receiver in the high-powered Indianapolis Colts offense, would not be ready until the start of the regular season at the earliest. He ruptured his Achilles tendon in December and many thought it would take a year to recover. But the Broncos took a chance, and it could pay off.
In the biggest surprise of training camp's opening day, Stokley was in the starting lineup, working opposite No. 1 receiver Javon Walker in the morning practice. It was the first full practice for Stokley, who sat out the afternoon practice as part of his rehabilitation routine, since his injury. In the July mini-camp, Stokley did some individual work.
"This is a big step for me," Stokley said. "I'm ahead of schedule. ... As far as I'm concerned, I'm full go. I'm ready to go. It felt great out there."
Granted, Stokley was in the starting lineup only because Brandon Marshall, who is expected to have a strong chance to win the No. 2 job, and Rod Smith opened training camp on the physically unable to perform list. Marshall is expected back within a week, but Smith could be out several weeks.
Denver brought in Stokley to compete for the No. 3 job. If he stays healthy, he has a great chance of playing often.
"It was great to see him out there," assistant head coach Mike Heimerdinger said. "It was much earlier than expected. It was a big bonus."
Kuper with No. 1 offense
There were no other major lineup surprises during Sunday's first practice. But there were some interesting developments. Second-year right guard Chris Kuper was working with the first team ahead of Montrae Holland. Kuper worked with the first team in the July mini-camp.
At strongside linebacker, Warrick
All Things Broncos
Post reporter Bill Williamson posts entries on this blog devoted to the Denver Broncos. Visit it here.
Holdman was working with the first team. D.D. Lewis was the second man in on the strong side.
The starting defensive line consisted of ends John Engelberger and Ebenezer Ekuban and tackles Sam Adams and Gerard Warren. First-round draft pick Jarvis Moss and second- year player Elvis Dumervil were the first-team defensive ends in passing situations, with Ekuban swinging inside to tackle.
Cecil Sapp, a former Colorado State star, remained the No. 2 running back behind Travis Henry and ahead of Mike Bell.
Peterson glad to be back
For about five hours Saturday, defensive lineman Kenny Peterson was without a team. The Broncos decided to cut him Saturday morning because of a roster numbers crunch.
But after defensive end Carlos Hall failed to report to camp, Peterson was re-signed.
"It was a roller-coaster day," Peterson said. "It was terrible being cut but great being brought back."
Peterson is facing a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's steroid policy. Peterson has declined comment on his suspension, but the Broncos have said he told them he accidentally took the supplements.
Veterans get extra work
Only a handful of veterans had the afternoon off Sunday. But in future two-a-day sessions, veterans such as cornerback Champ Bailey and safety John Lynch - who both practiced twice Sunday - will work just once.
Adams, who
Dateline Dove Valley
Jim Armstrong chronicles training camp with commentaries and video in his signature fashion. Check it out.
didn't practice in the afternoon, loves coach Mike Shanahan's policy. This is Adams' sixth NFL team, and he always had to work twice a day in training camp during his career.
"I couldn't believe it when I came here," Adams said. "It's the way to go."
Footnote
Offensive lineman Doug Nienhuis and cornerback Lamont Reid are still on the roster, but were injured while with their NFL Europe teams. They will soon be cleared off the roster.
Staff writer Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or
Coming off Achilles tendon injury, wide receiver feeling "ready to go"
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 07/29/2007 11:50:28 PM MDT
Brandon Stokley, a former Colts receiver in his ninth NFL season, already is catching attention at Broncos training camp. (Post / Steve Nehf)
When the Broncos signed wide receiver Brandon Stokley in March, they did not expect to see him in uniform on the opening day of training camp.
The initial medical diagnosis was that Stokley, the former No. 3 receiver in the high-powered Indianapolis Colts offense, would not be ready until the start of the regular season at the earliest. He ruptured his Achilles tendon in December and many thought it would take a year to recover. But the Broncos took a chance, and it could pay off.
In the biggest surprise of training camp's opening day, Stokley was in the starting lineup, working opposite No. 1 receiver Javon Walker in the morning practice. It was the first full practice for Stokley, who sat out the afternoon practice as part of his rehabilitation routine, since his injury. In the July mini-camp, Stokley did some individual work.
"This is a big step for me," Stokley said. "I'm ahead of schedule. ... As far as I'm concerned, I'm full go. I'm ready to go. It felt great out there."
Granted, Stokley was in the starting lineup only because Brandon Marshall, who is expected to have a strong chance to win the No. 2 job, and Rod Smith opened training camp on the physically unable to perform list. Marshall is expected back within a week, but Smith could be out several weeks.
Denver brought in Stokley to compete for the No. 3 job. If he stays healthy, he has a great chance of playing often.
"It was great to see him out there," assistant head coach Mike Heimerdinger said. "It was much earlier than expected. It was a big bonus."
Kuper with No. 1 offense
There were no other major lineup surprises during Sunday's first practice. But there were some interesting developments. Second-year right guard Chris Kuper was working with the first team ahead of Montrae Holland. Kuper worked with the first team in the July mini-camp.
At strongside linebacker, Warrick
All Things Broncos
Post reporter Bill Williamson posts entries on this blog devoted to the Denver Broncos. Visit it here.
Holdman was working with the first team. D.D. Lewis was the second man in on the strong side.
The starting defensive line consisted of ends John Engelberger and Ebenezer Ekuban and tackles Sam Adams and Gerard Warren. First-round draft pick Jarvis Moss and second- year player Elvis Dumervil were the first-team defensive ends in passing situations, with Ekuban swinging inside to tackle.
Cecil Sapp, a former Colorado State star, remained the No. 2 running back behind Travis Henry and ahead of Mike Bell.
Peterson glad to be back
For about five hours Saturday, defensive lineman Kenny Peterson was without a team. The Broncos decided to cut him Saturday morning because of a roster numbers crunch.
But after defensive end Carlos Hall failed to report to camp, Peterson was re-signed.
"It was a roller-coaster day," Peterson said. "It was terrible being cut but great being brought back."
Peterson is facing a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's steroid policy. Peterson has declined comment on his suspension, but the Broncos have said he told them he accidentally took the supplements.
Veterans get extra work
Only a handful of veterans had the afternoon off Sunday. But in future two-a-day sessions, veterans such as cornerback Champ Bailey and safety John Lynch - who both practiced twice Sunday - will work just once.
Adams, who
Dateline Dove Valley
Jim Armstrong chronicles training camp with commentaries and video in his signature fashion. Check it out.
didn't practice in the afternoon, loves coach Mike Shanahan's policy. This is Adams' sixth NFL team, and he always had to work twice a day in training camp during his career.
"I couldn't believe it when I came here," Adams said. "It's the way to go."
Footnote
Offensive lineman Doug Nienhuis and cornerback Lamont Reid are still on the roster, but were injured while with their NFL Europe teams. They will soon be cleared off the roster.
Staff writer Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or
Comment