PatsWin2002
09-22-2005, 11:04 AM
Griffin Wasn't Exactly Expecting Second Chance
Griffin Somewhat Surprised, Ernster Returns
by Andrew Mason, DenverBroncos.com
http://cbs4denver.com/broncos/local_story_265133428.html
(CBS4/DenverBroncos.com) ENGLEWOOD, Colo. Familiarity doesn't always breed contempt. For Quentin Griffin, it spawned a second chance.
A day after the Broncos re-signed their fourth-round draft pick of the 2003 draft, Griffin was back on the practice field Wednesday, his two-and-a-half-week stint in the NFL's version of exile complete.
It was a return that Griffin himself didn't exactly expect.
"I wouldn't say 'Never,' but not so soon," he said when asked whether he thought he'd never return to the Broncos. "We'll see what happens."
For the moment, the Griffin-Broncos union is an ideal match of player and team. With injuries hitting Mike Anderson and Tatum Bell during the last two games, the Broncos' depth at running back was compromised. Griffin not only knows the Broncos' system well, but as evidenced by two 100-yard games in just five starts, he's been successful in it.
"Mike Anderson (has) got sore ribs, with the rib cartilage damaged and you have Tatum Bell, who has the sprained ankle, which leaves us with one running back," Head Coach Mike Shanahan said. "That made the decision to bring him back very easy. We brought him back not only because of the situation but because we have a lot of confidence in Quentin."
At the very least, Griffin's experience in Denver will allow him to be in position to contribute more quickly than many players who'd arrive during the season.
"When you have your second, third or fourth back that knows the system, you can throw him in there any day," Shanahan said. "That is why it is tough to pick a guy up during the season, because you actually want that guy to be able to contribute to the team."
The reception Griffin received in the locker room was enthusiastic.
"I gave him a hug this morning," fullback Kyle Johnson said. "I'm just happy to see him. You just have so much respect for a guy who's so humble, works so hard, he's so diligent. We're just happy to have him here."
Added tight end Stephen Alexander: "I'm glad to see another Oklahoma guy back here so we can both sit around and sulk together because our guys are struggling a little bit this year. He's a great guy. I hated to see him leave. I think we all know that this is a business and things happen, but it was great to see him back."
The feeling was mutual.
"Usually Q is very subdued and tries to control it a little bit," Johnson said, "but this morning he was smiling, he was congenial, he was jovial, so that should tell you that he was happy to be here."
Added Griffin: "I'm glad to be back."
THE ROAD BACK: If Griffin blossoms in his second chance with the Broncos, he certainly wouldn't be the first to do so. Wide receiver Charlie Adams was released from the club last Oct., then returned two months later after an injury to Nate Jackson and became the team's No. 3 wide receiver this year. Former Broncos quarterback Danny Kanell also returned to the team two weeks after being released in 2003 and became the team's starter for a pair of games at midseason.
ERNSTER RETURNS: Paul Ernster's absence was a short one.
One day after the Broncos waived him to make room for Griffin, the team officially reclaimed him Wednesday afternoon, adding him to their practice squad.
There's an injury report at the end:
http://cbs4denver.com/broncos/local_story_265133428.html
Griffin Somewhat Surprised, Ernster Returns
by Andrew Mason, DenverBroncos.com
http://cbs4denver.com/broncos/local_story_265133428.html
(CBS4/DenverBroncos.com) ENGLEWOOD, Colo. Familiarity doesn't always breed contempt. For Quentin Griffin, it spawned a second chance.
A day after the Broncos re-signed their fourth-round draft pick of the 2003 draft, Griffin was back on the practice field Wednesday, his two-and-a-half-week stint in the NFL's version of exile complete.
It was a return that Griffin himself didn't exactly expect.
"I wouldn't say 'Never,' but not so soon," he said when asked whether he thought he'd never return to the Broncos. "We'll see what happens."
For the moment, the Griffin-Broncos union is an ideal match of player and team. With injuries hitting Mike Anderson and Tatum Bell during the last two games, the Broncos' depth at running back was compromised. Griffin not only knows the Broncos' system well, but as evidenced by two 100-yard games in just five starts, he's been successful in it.
"Mike Anderson (has) got sore ribs, with the rib cartilage damaged and you have Tatum Bell, who has the sprained ankle, which leaves us with one running back," Head Coach Mike Shanahan said. "That made the decision to bring him back very easy. We brought him back not only because of the situation but because we have a lot of confidence in Quentin."
At the very least, Griffin's experience in Denver will allow him to be in position to contribute more quickly than many players who'd arrive during the season.
"When you have your second, third or fourth back that knows the system, you can throw him in there any day," Shanahan said. "That is why it is tough to pick a guy up during the season, because you actually want that guy to be able to contribute to the team."
The reception Griffin received in the locker room was enthusiastic.
"I gave him a hug this morning," fullback Kyle Johnson said. "I'm just happy to see him. You just have so much respect for a guy who's so humble, works so hard, he's so diligent. We're just happy to have him here."
Added tight end Stephen Alexander: "I'm glad to see another Oklahoma guy back here so we can both sit around and sulk together because our guys are struggling a little bit this year. He's a great guy. I hated to see him leave. I think we all know that this is a business and things happen, but it was great to see him back."
The feeling was mutual.
"Usually Q is very subdued and tries to control it a little bit," Johnson said, "but this morning he was smiling, he was congenial, he was jovial, so that should tell you that he was happy to be here."
Added Griffin: "I'm glad to be back."
THE ROAD BACK: If Griffin blossoms in his second chance with the Broncos, he certainly wouldn't be the first to do so. Wide receiver Charlie Adams was released from the club last Oct., then returned two months later after an injury to Nate Jackson and became the team's No. 3 wide receiver this year. Former Broncos quarterback Danny Kanell also returned to the team two weeks after being released in 2003 and became the team's starter for a pair of games at midseason.
ERNSTER RETURNS: Paul Ernster's absence was a short one.
One day after the Broncos waived him to make room for Griffin, the team officially reclaimed him Wednesday afternoon, adding him to their practice squad.
There's an injury report at the end:
http://cbs4denver.com/broncos/local_story_265133428.html