Brown back at practice, may play

[SoCalBronco]

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_2984750

broncos notes
Brown returns, may play Friday
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer



The previous time Courtney Brown practiced, his screams of pain echoed. Monday, there simply were sighs of relief when he returned to the field with his teammates.

"It's good to be back and it felt good to be out there," the defensive end said. "I just want to get going again."

Brown dislocated his left elbow Aug. 4 while trying to make a tackle. Brown has missed 33 of 80 games in five NFL seasons.

Denver coach Mike Shanahan said Brown will play Friday at Arizona in the preseason finale, if he doesn't have any setbacks in practice this week. Brown will be one of the few starters playing against the Cardinals.

"He practiced today and looked pretty good," Shanahan said. "He's should be able to go full speed."

Brown was one of several injured players to return to practice Monday. Tight end Nate Jackson (hamstring), running back Cecil Sapp (hamstring), cornerbacks Lenny Walls (bruised knee) and Jeff Shoate (knee) and defensive end Chukie Nwokorie (quadriceps) returned. Safety Jeremy LeSueur (knee) was held out of practice, but is expected to return today.

Bell not giving up

The situation is clear to Tatum Bell: He will begin the season behind Mike Anderson as the No. 2 tailback. Still, Bell said he will continue to try to earn playing time.

"It's a long season," Bell said. "I'll get my chances. The time that I do get on the field now, I have to take advantage of it."

Bell will provide a change of pace, with Anderson likely getting the majority of snaps. Bell had just one carry for 2 yards Saturday night against Indianapolis. Anderson gained 159 yards, including a 93-yard touchdown run, on 13 carries.

"I'm happy for Mike," Bell said. "He's my boy. But I'll still be pushing him."

Veterans go fast

Overshadowed by the pending release of rookie running back Maurice Clarett, was the team's decision to cut veterans such as defensive linemen Luther Elliss and Raylee Johnson, quarterback Danny Kanell and tight Patrick Hape. They are expected be among at least 15 players officially released today.

"Luther and Raylee were two of the toughest cuts I've had," said Shanahan, who added the early timing may allow veterans to sign with another team.

Shanahan said Kanell could




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be a candidate to return if there is an injury at quarterback.
Big blocker

Don't be surprised to see 6-foot-4, 325-pound defensive tackle Gerard Warren back in the role of lead blocker at fullback sometime this season. Warren played fullback on a 2-yard touchdown run by Anderson on Saturday night.

"He's a great athlete," Shan- ahan said. "How would you like to be a linebacker and see him coming at you?"

Noteworthy

Shanahan said rookie kicker Paul Ernster will handle some of the kickoff duties Friday. It will be the team's last chance to see Ernster in a game before deciding whether to keep three kicking specialists. If the Broncos don't keep Ernster, punter Todd Sauerbrun, who kicked off Saturday, will handle kickoffs. ... Defensive tackle Dorsett Davis was excused from practice Monday for personal reasons and is expected to return today.

Feeling the knife
The Broncos have to cut 15 players by today. At least 13 players already have been informed they will be cut, with two more cuts coming today. Here are the unlucky 13:

Player Pos.

Rob Babers CB

Kris Briggs RB

Maurice Clarett RB

Romar Crenshaw WR

Luther Elliss DE

Chad Friehauf QB

Patrick Hape TE

B.J. Johnson WR

Raylee Johnson DE

Danny Kanell QB

Cameron Spikes OL

Markus Steele LB

Tim Stuber OL

Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.

[-Slap-]

You know, the depth of talent on our defensive line allows us the luxury of carrying a star-crossed player like Courtney Brown. We can enjoy his production when he plays, but we're not dependent on him.

[SoCalBronco]

You know, the depth of talent on our defensive line allows us the luxury of carrying a star-crossed player like Courtney Brown. We can enjoy his production when he plays, but we're not dependent on him.

That's a good point, Slappy. The DEs seem to be pretty decent even without him, especially now that Engelberger has really heated up and Ekuban has even made some plays too. Coleman is still a good run defender and Trevor looked like the old Trevor in the last game. If we could get Courtney for a good part of the season on top of that, it would be gravy.

[watermock]

C. Brown has had more injuries than Evil Kenevil but is still trying. He's a good guy, High Pick, DUH, just can't get healthy. This might be his last chance. I am not worried about the elbow. More the foot. The guy must be so sick of rehabbing it's rediculous. He was born under a cheating black sun or something. He should of been able to run on the foot, give him time to get his arm back. Maybe he's done being cursed. It's like there is someone with a voodoo doll sticking pins in him or something. Sharpe played with an elbow brace, man, that was a classic cheap shot by Romo.

[fontaine]

C. Brown is a luxury allright, but if he can stay healthy then it would allow this team to move Pryce inside on obvious passing downs/nickel defense which would mean we would have three legitimate guys there that could collapse the pocket in Pryce/Warren/Brown.

I say this because our run defense will be pretty good either way, but against very good passing offenses we usually struggle and a four man front with Brown/Pryce/Warren/Engelberger will go a long way towards stopping teams like the Colts/Chiefs.

[Eli_Cash]

Dollar for dollar, the front office did a great job this off season.

The real key is the sum of the parts.
None of these guys have to be super human, just do their job.
The numbers of quality guys we rotate in will pay huge dividends in the 4th quarter.
It also should help come December.



I am a little troubled by how teams have rushed the edge against the defense all preseason. Indy ran that stretch play like a clinic all night on saturday.
This should improve with the addition of Champ and once DJ gets settled.
Still a little troubling.

Might Mouse Gold was flying around saturday, good showing by him.
Mr. Warren also looked quite good.

Here's hoping for a dry field in Miami...

[watermock]

None of these guys have to be super human, just do their job.

I have been screaming this for two months. They are not jesus.

[watermock]

Dollar for dollar, the front office did a great job this off season.

The real key is the sum of the parts.
None of these guys have to be super human, just do their job.
The numbers of quality guys we rotate in will pay huge dividends in the 4th quarter.
It also should help come December.



I am a little troubled by how teams have rushed the edge against the defense all preseason. Indy ran that stretch play like a clinic all night on saturday.
This should improve with the addition of Champ and once DJ gets settled.
Still a little troubling.

Might Mouse Gold was flying around saturday, good showing by him.
Mr. Warren also looked quite good.

Here's hoping for a dry field in Miami...

That stretch play is of huge concern. If we have supposed fast LB's, they have to sort thru the trash. that is where Gold is engaged he shows his weakness. I don't break every play down, and Edge is a great running back, but I look at it this way...if you can engage Gold on the second level, you can run that play. What I saw was a man on Gold and pushing him sideways.

"Slappy should love this one..."

When Champ comes back, that should help, but the hornet is getting confidence.

You have to account for Gold if you want to push that sweep OB. Honestly, I didn't see Wilson there either but a little late.

I try, but I'm not sure, hell, Shanahan isn't sure.

To me,it seemed like the DL was letting the line addres Gold. That is fine, but Wilson need to come over to pop. Or a corner in dropped coverage.

We have really fast, and really green corners. One is desined to safety. We need help at safety. It's a glaring weakness.

Another note, I just want to hope that we can get this disaster in order. Call the Red Cross, the water has to go down. What a mess is an understatment.

I'm not telling you to do anything, but I'm sending 100 as a token. Hell, I have lost one of those in vegas. We give a little, might save a life. This is a major disaster. Send 20. The Red Cross need your help. Hell, give 10.

[Eli_Cash]

"That stretch play is of huge concern."

Okay, so it wasn't just me when I saw Kevan Barlow run for a TD against the Defense.

I thought I might be crazy but its been there every preseason game.

Gold has been eerily missing or arriving late.
To his defense he made alot of tackles saturday but several were way too far down field.

In the same breath its not all on him.
DJ doesn't seem as explosive as last year.
He is still young and shifting in the game plan but I expect it could be 2-3 games for him to feel comfortable.

At this point it seems like Al and DJ are doing all the work and Gold is free to attack the ball.
Thats fine but I was advertised sideline to sideline speed....

[baja]

Player Pos.

Rob Babers CB

Kris Briggs RB

Maurice Clarett RB

Romar Crenshaw WR

Luther Elliss DE

Chad Friehauf QB

Patrick Hape TE

B.J. Johnson WR

Raylee Johnson DE

Danny Kanell QB

Cameron Spikes OL

Markus Steele LB

Tim Stuber OL

<b>Bill Williamson</b> can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.[/QUOTE]

Darn for a minute there I thought Burger Bill got cut too.

[bloodsunday]

Bell not giving up

The situation is clear to Tatum Bell: He will begin the season behind Mike Anderson as the No. 2 tailback. Still, Bell said he will continue to try to earn playing time.

"It's a long season," Bell said. "I'll get my chances. The time that I do get on the field now, I have to take advantage of it."

Bell will provide a change of pace, with Anderson likely getting the majority of snaps. Bell had just one carry for 2 yards Saturday night against Indianapolis. Anderson gained 159 yards, including a 93-yard touchdown run, on 13 carries.

"I'm happy for Mike," Bell said. "He's my boy. But I'll still be pushing him."
If Mo had that attitude, he'd still be a Bronco. Anyway, I just want to say that I think Tatum has a good attitude and that is why I am not worried about him making it. Shanny knows that he is likely going to need more than one back this season and Tatum should be fresh and coming into his own when that opportunity comes.

[bloodsunday]

I have been screaming this for two months. They are not jesus.
Jesus has a mohawk on this team. If Trevor plays all season the way he has the past two weeks then our DL will be unstoppable. You aren't going to be able to block the Browncos one-on-one with Trevor taking double teams all game long. Man it'll be tough to part ways with Trevor this offseason if he has the season that he looks prepared for.

[orange 4 life]

Sharpe played with an elbow brace, man, that was a classic cheap shot by Romo.

....and what is so dang irritating about that is that shannon CAUGHT THAT FRIGGIN PASS!!

i cant think of the refs name off hand, but the guy kills us every time he calls one of our games, and he did that night too.
he REVIEWED the damn play and STILL called it a no catch.
it was one of the more awesome catches youll ever see.
romo dislocating his friggin arm while sharpe catches, cradles, and MAINTAINS possession with one arm.
its maybe the worst replay assisted call ive ever seen.

[i4jelway7]

....and what is so dang irritating about that is that shannon CAUGHT THAT FRIGGIN PASS!!

i cant think of the refs name off hand, but the guy kills us every time he calls one of our games, and he did that night too.
he REVIEWED the damn play and STILL called it a no catch.
it was one of the more awesome catches youll ever see.
romo dislocating his friggin arm while sharpe catches, cradles, and MAINTAINS possession with one arm.
its maybe the worst replay assisted call ive ever seen.


I don't recall which ref it was (I could dig it out of my vhs collection) but my guess is it was Mike Carey... he always calls bs calls on Denver, not even being a homer you can see this guy has a major hard on for the broncos

[Kaylore]

Ok everyone stop and look at what we've got here.
Pryce and Brown on the ends.
An interior line that gets pressure!
Bailey Walls and Darrent in the secondary with Lynch coming to make hits.
Ian Gold, Al Wilson, DJ Williams.... zowie!

Is anyone else beginning to notice how amazing this D could look? I mean wait until we show them something real in terms of scheme. Don't forget Predator in the rushing formation!

I think I need to take a cold shower.... :devil:

[baja]

Ok everyone stop and look at what we've got here.
Pryce and Brown on the ends.
An interior line that gets pressure!
Bailey Walls and Darrent in the secondary with Lynch coming to make hits.
Ian Gold, Al Wilson, DJ Williams.... zowie!

Is anyone else beginning to notice how amazing this D could look? I mean wait until we show them something real in terms of scheme. Don't forget Predator in the rushing formation!

I think I need to take a cold shower.... :devil:

I have been enduring much ridicule for saying this for two months now.

[ludo21]

Ok everyone stop and look at what we've got here.
Pryce and Brown on the ends.
An interior line that gets pressure!
Bailey Walls and Darrent in the secondary with Lynch coming to make hits.
Ian Gold, Al Wilson, DJ Williams.... zowie!

Is anyone else beginning to notice how amazing this D could look? I mean wait until we show them something real in terms of scheme. Don't forget Predator in the rushing formation!

I think I need to take a cold shower.... :devil:


Yet another great point khan my man. :homer: :thumbsup:

Cant wait till Friday for the game, finally get to see my boys live again!! An if Brown plays thats icing on the freakin cake baby!!

[watermock]

But Dr. Z from SI says we will be 7-9!

Remember when someone came in and asked if he should take the Rams minus 4.5 against Detroit? We all told him the RIGHT way. That was a stone cold lock. They won by twenty in a laugher. Detroit's OL is just plain pathetic. Harrington is just another example how it's a curse to get a high pick. He's got Kevin Jones (who I loved), Mike Williams (who I wanted for the HornHeads but Williamson will do), Charles Rogers (imitating C. Brown with injuries) and Roy Williams, and can't get it done?

[BigPlayShay]

I don't recall which ref it was (I could dig it out of my vhs collection) but my guess is it was Mike Carey... he always calls bs calls on Denver, not even being a homer you can see this guy has a major hard on for the broncos

Just looked in the 2003 Media Guide... BINGO, it was Mike Carey :bash:

[ludo21]

But Dr. Z from SI says we will be 7-9!

Remember when someone came in and asked if he should take the Rams minus 4.5 against Detroit? We all told him the RIGHT way. That was a stone cold lock. They won by twenty in a laugher. Detroit's OL is just plain pathetic. Harrington is just another example how it's a curse to get a high pick. He's got Kevin Jones (who I loved), Mike Williams (who I wanted for the HornHeads but Williamson will do), Charles Rogers (imitating C. Brown with injuries) and Roy Williams, and can't get it done?


Harrington had a good first 2 games tho by only having 1 incomplete pass. I dont think hes as godlike as salsibury thins he is, but he will be in there at least half the season before they make the switch to garcia.

[DawgPound14]

Wish you guys the best of luck with Brown. Hope he's able to stay healthy for you.... if so ... he'll be one of the best.

[Kaylore]

Wish you guys the best of luck with Brown. Hope he's able to stay healthy for you.... if so ... he'll be one of the best.
Hey Dawg, likewise with Drougns. Hey, who's looked the best in preseason at RB so far for you guys?

[GreatBronco16]

Hey Dawg, likewise with Drougns. Hey, who's looked the best in preseason at RB so far for you guys?


IMO, it hasn't been Droughns. I don't even think he is listed as the starter right now.