TXBRONC
09-02-2009, 12:14 PM
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_13249070
Versatility will be a big factor in finalizing roster
The Denver Post
Posted: 09/02/2009 01:00:00 AM MDT
Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said he's still looking for as many multitaskers as possible when the team makes the remainder of its roster cuts this week.
Whereas some coaches may hold a spot or two for specialists to play on the punt and kickoff units, McDaniels is hoping to get as many slots among the final 53 filled by players who can contribute on special teams in addition to the offense or defense.
"What we've tried to do here in the spring and going into training camp is get enough players who play on defense or on offense that have speed and qualities that you want in the kicking game so you don't have to do that," McDaniels said.
The Broncos' roster stands at 75 players. NFL rosters go to 53 players Saturday.
The Broncos (0-3) conclude their preseason Thursday night against Arizona at Invesco Field at Mile High.
"I think there's a lot of things at stake for a lot of people," McDaniels said. "There's also some things we want to get better at, just in terms of our football team. We're going to need to evaluate the last so-many decisions we need to make, and some of that is going to come down to how they play on Thursday and what we feel about them after the preseason's over."
Stake a claim.
The Broncos did indeed give former Patriots quarterback Kevin O'Connell a long look, putting in a waiver claim Tuesday on the second-year passer. However, three other teams — Cleveland, Detroit and the New York Jets — had the same idea.
Players claimed by multiple teams are awarded to the team that had the worst record in 2008, so O'Connell will be with the Lions.
O'Connell was waived by the Patriots on Monday. He was a third-round pick in the 2008 draft by New England, but struggled in training camp. The Patriots had signed Grand Junction native Andrew Walter since camp opened.
Roster moves.
The Broncos released tight end Jeb Putzier, center Blake Schlueter, punter Britton Colquitt and wide receiver C.J. Jones on Tuesday to get to the league-mandated limit of 75 players. They also formally moved wide receiver Brandon Marshall to reserve/suspended.
When Marshall's suspension ends — McDaniels has said that would be Sept. 6 — the Broncos will have to clear a spot to move him back to the active roster.
Putzier, an eighth-year veteran, had spent four seasons with the Broncos (2002-05) to go with part of last season. Schlueter was a seventh-round draft pick by the team in April and is a candidate for the practice squad.
Colquitt, who put down punts at the Bears' 1-yard line and 2-yard line Sunday night, also is eligible for the practice squad. But it is rare for teams to use those spots on a punter. The Broncos can sign eight players to their practice squad next week.
Footnotes.
Defensive lineman Marcus Thomas and running back LaMont Jordan returned to practice after missing last week. . . .
In addition to Orton and Simms, the Broncos held safety Josh Barrett (shoulder) cornerback Joshua Bell (leg), cornerback Tony Carter (ankle), wide receiver Jabar Gaffney (thumb), guards Ben Hamilton (undisclosed) and Chris Kuper (ankle) and defensive lineman Le Kevin Smith (undisclosed) out of practice. Rookie Seth Olsen has worked in Hamilton's left guard spot and Russ Hochstein would be an option at Kuper's right guard spot. Kuper is not expected to play Thursday against Arizona. . . .
The Cardinals will be thin on the outside in their high- powered offense because wide receivers Anquan Boldin (hamstring), Steve Breaston (knee) and Early Doucet (ribs) are not expected to play against the Broncos. Doucet suffered fractured ribs in this past weekend's game against the Packers.
Jeff Legwold, The Denver Post
Versatility will be a big factor in finalizing roster
The Denver Post
Posted: 09/02/2009 01:00:00 AM MDT
Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said he's still looking for as many multitaskers as possible when the team makes the remainder of its roster cuts this week.
Whereas some coaches may hold a spot or two for specialists to play on the punt and kickoff units, McDaniels is hoping to get as many slots among the final 53 filled by players who can contribute on special teams in addition to the offense or defense.
"What we've tried to do here in the spring and going into training camp is get enough players who play on defense or on offense that have speed and qualities that you want in the kicking game so you don't have to do that," McDaniels said.
The Broncos' roster stands at 75 players. NFL rosters go to 53 players Saturday.
The Broncos (0-3) conclude their preseason Thursday night against Arizona at Invesco Field at Mile High.
"I think there's a lot of things at stake for a lot of people," McDaniels said. "There's also some things we want to get better at, just in terms of our football team. We're going to need to evaluate the last so-many decisions we need to make, and some of that is going to come down to how they play on Thursday and what we feel about them after the preseason's over."
Stake a claim.
The Broncos did indeed give former Patriots quarterback Kevin O'Connell a long look, putting in a waiver claim Tuesday on the second-year passer. However, three other teams — Cleveland, Detroit and the New York Jets — had the same idea.
Players claimed by multiple teams are awarded to the team that had the worst record in 2008, so O'Connell will be with the Lions.
O'Connell was waived by the Patriots on Monday. He was a third-round pick in the 2008 draft by New England, but struggled in training camp. The Patriots had signed Grand Junction native Andrew Walter since camp opened.
Roster moves.
The Broncos released tight end Jeb Putzier, center Blake Schlueter, punter Britton Colquitt and wide receiver C.J. Jones on Tuesday to get to the league-mandated limit of 75 players. They also formally moved wide receiver Brandon Marshall to reserve/suspended.
When Marshall's suspension ends — McDaniels has said that would be Sept. 6 — the Broncos will have to clear a spot to move him back to the active roster.
Putzier, an eighth-year veteran, had spent four seasons with the Broncos (2002-05) to go with part of last season. Schlueter was a seventh-round draft pick by the team in April and is a candidate for the practice squad.
Colquitt, who put down punts at the Bears' 1-yard line and 2-yard line Sunday night, also is eligible for the practice squad. But it is rare for teams to use those spots on a punter. The Broncos can sign eight players to their practice squad next week.
Footnotes.
Defensive lineman Marcus Thomas and running back LaMont Jordan returned to practice after missing last week. . . .
In addition to Orton and Simms, the Broncos held safety Josh Barrett (shoulder) cornerback Joshua Bell (leg), cornerback Tony Carter (ankle), wide receiver Jabar Gaffney (thumb), guards Ben Hamilton (undisclosed) and Chris Kuper (ankle) and defensive lineman Le Kevin Smith (undisclosed) out of practice. Rookie Seth Olsen has worked in Hamilton's left guard spot and Russ Hochstein would be an option at Kuper's right guard spot. Kuper is not expected to play Thursday against Arizona. . . .
The Cardinals will be thin on the outside in their high- powered offense because wide receivers Anquan Boldin (hamstring), Steve Breaston (knee) and Early Doucet (ribs) are not expected to play against the Broncos. Doucet suffered fractured ribs in this past weekend's game against the Packers.
Jeff Legwold, The Denver Post