Broncos' Decker up and running, should be ready for camp

[Denver Native (Carol)]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81901311/article/broncos-decker-up-and-running-should-be-ready-for-camp

Rookie wide receiver Eric Decker said Tuesday that he's on schedule to join the Denver Broncos for the start of training camp, provided he signs a contract by then.

Decker, a third-round draft pick out of the University of Minnesota, is participating in Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald's star-studded camp at the Golden Gophers' campus this week, running routes, catching passes and doing drills.

Those are things Decker hadn't been able to do since he injured his left foot during an October game against Ohio State. Decker suffered a Lisfranc injury, a tear of the ligament that holds the first two toes in place.

Lisfranc sprains involve a long, arduous rehabilitation with no guarantees of recovery, and the Broncos have taken it easy with Decker so far, hoping he'll be a full-go when camp starts. Rookies report July 26, and the first full-squad workout is July 29.

Decker, who has spent time at Broncos headquarters doing individual drills, is a bundle of emotions before heading into his first NFL training camp.

"Oh, yeah. I didn't get a chance to practice in OTAs (organized team activities) and minicamp," he said. "I'm a little nervous and I'm anxious because I'm back to football, I'm back playing, I'm done in the training room and that's exciting to me."

Asked if he was healthy, Decker replied: "Yeah. It's still a day-to-day thing, and the training staff is helping me to move along and progress at a very good rate. I feel comfortable every day, so that's the best I can say."

The wide receiver competition could be the best at Denver's training camp.

The Broncos traded Pro Bowl wideout Brandon Marshall to the Miami Dolphins and selected Demaryius Thomas in the first round of the draft, then grabbed Decker with the 87th overall pick.

Before he was hurt, Decker was considered among the top receivers in the country and many scouts projected him as a first-round pick. Decker showed his smarts at the NFL Scouting Combine by scoring a 43 on the 12-minute, 50-question Wonderlic test that's used to gauge aptitude.

After his injury, Decker received a call from Broncos wide receiver Brandon Stokley, who suffered the same ligament injury in 2002 when he was with the Indianapolis Colts. Stokley had loads of advice for Decker.

Decker said he was fortunate to play alongside Stokley and called the chance to work out at Fitzgerald's camp this week a godsend.

"Especially being in my backyard, you can't miss this opportunity. Having Michael Irvin, Larry Fitzgerald, Roy Green, great quarterbacks," Decker said. "Everybody is working hard together for a common goal and that's to be the best you can be going into training camp."

And this week will prepare for the grind, Decker said.

The Broncos also waived free-agent wide receivers Dicky Lyons and Landis Williams on Tuesday.

[claymore]

I was really rooting for Dicky Lyons. Too bad.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

http://cbs4denver.com/broncos/Eric.Decker.Broncos.2.1790891.html

ENGLEWOOD (AP) ― Rookie receiver Eric Decker is on schedule to join the Denver Broncos for the start of training camp, provided he signs a contract by then.

Decker, a third-round draft pick out of the University of Minnesota, is participating in Larry Fitzgerald's star-studded camp at the Golden Gophers' campus this week, running routes, catching passes and doing drills.

It's something he hadn't been able to do since injuring his left foot in a game against Ohio State in October. Decker suffered a Lisfranc injury, a tear of the ligament that holds the first two toes in place.

Lisfranc sprains involve a long, arduous rehabilitation with no guarantees of recovery, and the Broncos have taken it easy with him so far, hoping he'll be a full-go when camp starts. Rookies report July 26 and the first full squad workout is July 29.

Decker, who has spent his time at Broncos headquarters to date doing individual drills on the side, is a bundle of emotions heading into his first NFL training camp.

"Oh yeah. I didn't get a chance to practice in OTAs and minicamp," he said. "I'm a little nervous and I'm anxious because I'm back to football, I'm back playing, I'm done in the training room and that's exciting to me."

Asked if he was healthy, Decker replied: "Yeah. It's still a day-to-day thing and the training staff is helping me to move along and progress at a very good rate. I feel comfortable every day so that's the best I can say."

The wide receiver competition could be the best battle at Denver's training camp.

The Broncos traded Pro Bowler Brandon Marshall to Miami and selected Demaryius Thomas in the first round of the draft, then grabbed Decker with the 87th overall pick.

Before he got hurt, Decker was considered among the top receivers in the country and many scouts were projecting him as a first-rounder. He showed his smarts at the NFL combine by scoring a 43 on the 12-minute, 50-question Wonderlic test that's used to gauge aptitude.

After his injury, Decker got a call from Broncos wide receiver Brandon Stokley, who suffered the same ligament injury in 2002 when he was with the Indianapolis Colts and had loads of advice.

Decker said he was fortunate to play alongside Stokley and called the chance to work out at Fitzgerald's camp this week a godsend.

"Especially being in my backyard, you can't miss this opportunity. Having Michael Irvin, Larry Fitzgerald, Roy Green, great quarterbacks," he said. "Everybody is working hard together for a common goal and that's to be the best you can be going into training camp."

And this week will get him ready for the grind, he said.

"It prepares you from a conditioning level. It's another step up competition-wise with all these guys running around, and just getting that experience from guys who have been there and been successful," Decker said.

At 6-foor-3 and 218 pounds, Decker also welcomed the opportunity to learn a few tricks of the trade from Fitzgerald, the Arizona Cardinals star, and guest instructor Irvin.

"They're both bigger guys who probably don't have the quickness that a 5-10, 5-11 receiver does," Decker said. "You have to have different tools, getting off the line, getting in and out of routes, catching the football. Those are the things you pick up and carry along in your own game."

The Broncos' stable of veteran pass catchers vying for roster spots with Decker and Thomas include Stokley, Eddie Royal, Jabar Gaffney, Brandon Lloyd, Matt Willis and Kenny McKinley.

The Broncos waived free agent wide receivers Dicky Lyons and Landis Williams on Tuesday.

[broncobryce]

Cool. Hopefully he is ready to be our possesion type who catches everything in site
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[ikillz0mbies]

Hell yeah!!! Eric Decker is going to be a stud!!! Catches every ball thrown his way, good route runner, good speed, and tough as nails!!!

[Lonestar]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81901311/article/broncos-decker-up-and-running-should-be-ready-for-camp

Rookie wide receiver Eric Decker said Tuesday that he's on schedule to join the Denver Broncos for the start of training camp, provided he signs a contract by then.

Decker, a third-round draft pick out of the University of Minnesota, is participating in Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald's star-studded camp at the Golden Gophers' campus this week, running routes, catching passes and doing drills.

Those are things Decker hadn't been able to do since he injured his left foot during an October game against Ohio State. Decker suffered a Lisfranc injury, a tear of the ligament that holds the first two toes in place.

Lisfranc sprains involve a long, arduous rehabilitation with no guarantees of recovery, and the Broncos have taken it easy with Decker so far, hoping he'll be a full-go when camp starts. Rookies report July 26, and the first full-squad workout is July 29.

Decker, who has spent time at Broncos headquarters doing individual drills, is a bundle of emotions before heading into his first NFL training camp.

"Oh, yeah. I didn't get a chance to practice in OTAs (organized team activities) and minicamp," he said. "I'm a little nervous and I'm anxious because I'm back to football, I'm back playing, I'm done in the training room and that's exciting to me."

Asked if he was healthy, Decker replied: "Yeah. It's still a day-to-day thing, and the training staff is helping me to move along and progress at a very good rate. I feel comfortable every day, so that's the best I can say."

The wide receiver competition could be the best at Denver's training camp.

The Broncos traded Pro Bowl wideout Brandon Marshall to the Miami Dolphins and selected Demaryius Thomas in the first round of the draft, then grabbed Decker with the 87th overall pick.

Before he was hurt, Decker was considered among the top receivers in the country and many scouts projected him as a first-round pick. Decker showed his smarts at the NFL Scouting Combine by scoring a 43 on the 12-minute, 50-question Wonderlic test that's used to gauge aptitude.

After his injury, Decker received a call from Broncos wide receiver Brandon Stokley, who suffered the same ligament injury in 2002 when he was with the Indianapolis Colts. Stokley had loads of advice for Decker.

Decker said he was fortunate to play alongside Stokley and called the chance to work out at Fitzgerald's camp this week a godsend.

"Especially being in my backyard, you can't miss this opportunity. Having Michael Irvin, Larry Fitzgerald, Roy Green, great quarterbacks," Decker said. "Everybody is working hard together for a common goal and that's to be the best you can be going into training camp."

And this week will prepare for the grind, Decker said.

The Broncos also waived free-agent wide receivers Dicky Lyons and Landis Williams on Tuesday.

I'd rather this kid was PUP and then maybe even IR'd this year to make sure this is healed.

While I think he will be the next Eddie Mac I want to make sure that is healed.
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[Bosco]

I'd rather this kid was PUP and then maybe even IR'd this year to make sure this is healed.

While I think he will be the next Eddie Mac I want to make sure that is healed.
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He'll be fine dude.

[Elevation inc]

sounds like he is healed better than thought...i still belive he is a ways away from challenging from a spot in this offense...he is behind the power curve currently and essentially will get first awakening to the team in full contact....could be a battle for him....lisfranc are tricky and rushing back can set you back even farther....hopefully baring inuury he can fight for a spot on the team and win it....if that happens its a plus no matter what.....

[broncofaninfla]

Hopefully the kid is healthy for the game in Jax

[GEM]

I hope he is ready to go.....he's my #1 drool worthy Bronco. :lol: And we need the help in the WR corps.

[T.K.O.]

Decker's College Career Over
Published : Saturday, 31 Oct 2009, 7:00 PM CDT

Minneapolis - Minnesota wide receiver Eric Decker will have surgery to fix torn ligaments in his left foot, ending his college career and complicating his status for the NFL draft.

Decker confirmed his decision before Saturday's game against Michigan State. He will have the operation Wednesday in Charlotte,
N.C., with specialist Dr. Robert Anderson.

The injury is known as a Lisfranc sprain, a tear of the ligament that holds his first two toes in place. He was hurt last week at Ohio State, while running a route toward the sideline when he tried to plant quickly and felt a strange sensation. At first, he thought one of his cleats broke off. Then he realized the problem.

"I put some more pressure on my foot, and then from there I knew something was wrong," said Decker, who won't be able to run for another five months.

He said he's been told he'll need eight months of rehabilitation before he's at full speed again. That means Decker, who was one of 10 finalists for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation's best receiver, won't be able to participate in the scouting combine before the draft.

Drafted by the Minnesota Twins in June, Decker didn't rule out taking up baseball again, but it's not his focus now. He expressed no regret about choosing the rougher sport.

"I looked at the pros and cons with the lifestyle and the career aspirations that I have beyond football stuff, and the best bet is to play football," Decker said, adding: "It's harder on your body than baseball, but it's not year round. You still have a couple months to do other things. I've got other goals that I want to accomplish."

He already has his undergraduate degree and is taking grad classes in sports management. Once he's healthy, he'll resume training for the pros with the hope of selling some NFL team on his potential despite the injury.

Decker was in touch with Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Stokley, who had the same injury earlier in his NFL career and advised Decker about the recovery process. Ted Ginn Jr. also had it, but the Miami Dolphins still took the speedster out of Ohio State with the ninth overall selection in the 2007 draft.

Despite playing sparingly as a freshman, having a sprained left ankle interrupt his season last November, and now ending his senior year two-thirds of the way through, Decker is Minnesota's all-time leading receiver with 3,119 yards. His 24 touchdown receptions rank third in school history.

This sudden end of the senior season he was so eager for has been difficult for Decker to stomach. His voice quivered slightly and his eyes looked glassy while he sat at a podium Saturday to discuss the injury and his future.

"It's going to be a good test of character for myself," Decker said. "I think it's going to make me appreciate what I've had."

[T.K.O.]

I hope he is ready to go.....he's my #1 drool worthy Bronco. :lol: And we need the help in the WR corps.

is it the "calfs" again ?:laugh:

[Lonestar]

I hope he is ready to go.....he's my #1 drool worthy Bronco. :lol: And we need the help in the WR corps.

I guess Tim is chopped liver?
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[WARHORSE]

I'd rather this kid was PUP and then maybe even IR'd this year to make sure this is healed.

While I think he will be the next Eddie Mac I want to make sure that is healed.
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I think he'll be fine.

He'll be coming in at 10 months of rehab at the start of training camp. Those two extra months are alot. Eight additional weeks.


I just hope he proves to be a baller on this level.

[CoachChaz]

Yeah. He'll have a high ankle sprain or a bad hamstring or something by week six. Count on it
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[GEM]

is it the "calfs" again ?:laugh:

Hillis had the best freakin "calfs" I have ever seen. I went to the open Broncos practice at Invesco last year and my dad still gives me shit over that. He was like....Geeeez control yourself, they're just calves!! Usually I am a forearms kind of gal, but Hillis calves....YUM FREAKIN YUM!!!

Deckers hot is in the face...good Lord, he is good looking!!

And JR...Tebow is chopped liver...he does nothing for me. :lol:

[T.K.O.]

And JR...Tebow is chopped liver...he does nothing for me. :lol:

are you kidding ? i think i can change your mind........

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l268/serrahondashane/JortsIllustrated.jpg

[GEM]

are you kidding ? i think i can change your mind........

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l268/serrahondashane/JortsIllustrated.jpg

I think I'll go with......

http://sportsfags.com/files/2010/03/eric_decker_shirtless_300X378.jpg

FTMFW!!! :D

[nevcraw]

[QUOTE]Those two extra months are alot. Eight additional weeks.
42 days / 1008 hours / 60,408 min / 3,628,800 seconds


I just hope he proves to be a baller on this level.

GEM thinks he is already...

[FanInAZ]

Decker, a third-round draft pick out of the University of Minnesota, is participating in Larry Fitzgerald's star-studded camp at the Golden Gophers' campus this week, running routes, catching passes and doing drills.

"Especially being in my backyard, you can't miss this opportunity. Having Michael Irvin, Larry Fitzgerald, Roy Green, great quarterbacks," he said. "Everybody is working hard together for a common goal and that's to be the best you can be going into training camp."

At 6-foor-3 and 218 pounds, Decker also welcomed the opportunity to learn a few tricks of the trade from Fitzgerald, the Arizona Cardinals star, and guest instructor Irvin.

Best parts of the article. The more he can emulate of Fitz the better of he and the Broncos will be! Now I know I want him in our starting line up opening week.

[FanInAZ]

So if GEM was our GM, the Broncos might win "sexiest team in the NFL." Not sure that would translate into win, but it might enable us to lead the league in sales of swimsuit calenders.

[BroncoWave]

I was really rooting for Dicky Lyons. Too bad.

You would be rooting for someone with dick in his name.