eddie mac
11-09-2005, 07:16 PM
http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=334&storyID=4906
Notebook: Bailey Returns
Bye Week Helped Hamstring Healing Process
In spite of his injuries, Champ Bailey is on pace for a career high in interceptions and has matched his season tally for three of the past four years.
By Andrew Mason
DenverBroncos.com
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- All went as well as could be expected for cornerback Champ Bailey on Wednesday as he returned to the practice field after sitting out Monday's post-bye work.
"Just (from) my observations today on what he did, he looked pretty good," Head Coach Mike Shanahan said following the afternoon practice session at team headquarters.
It was Bailey's first on-field work in eight days, as the Broncos scattered away from team headquarters following a practice on the morning of Nov. 1.
"(The bye week) helped," Bailey said. "You don't get many breaks like we got, so I took full advantage."
But being back to normal is another matter entirely as this particular hamstring issue has lingered since Sept. 26.
"Ask me that about a month after the season," Bailey said. "I might can give you a 'Yes' on that."
But for the moment, Bailey saw a full practice worth of work Wednesday afternoon, Shanahan said.
"We practiced full speed and he looked pretty good out there," Shanahan said. "Hopefully there's no setback and he keeps on practicing like he did today."
And, Bailey believes, that means he'll be able to play at a stellar level.
"The Only reason I get concerned is if my play really diminishes," he said. "I won’t let that happen."
A 'PATIENT' PATIENT: One name absent from the injury report this week after being a staple of the ledger of bruises and breaks throughout the year was that of tight end Nate Jackson, who has grappled with a hamstring injury since training camp, rendering his playing time scant in the first half of the season.
"I know I have to be patient with this thing," Jackson said. "When you're injured at the beginning of the year, things go on without you and you have to just be ready when things do come back around."
The season's first eight weeks saw Jackson play in only two games -- just one of which included some offensive snaps for the third-year receiver-turned-tight end. That meant that Jackson's development at his new position was delayed. However, he feels in better condition to work now than he has in weeks.
"I wouldn't say I'm 100 percent, but I feel good," he said. "I feel like I'm just going to keep working hard and whatever I am called on, I'll be ready to play and make plays."
Having the bye weekend to provide a five-day respite helped, he said.
"It was good to get that rest," Jackson said. "I feel ready to attack the second half of the season."
BRONCOS BYTES: Sam Brandon and Mike Leach joined Bailey on the injury report; both practiced and are listed as probable ... Oakland listed 11 players on its injury report; of particular note was wide receiver Randy Moss' status, which was deemed questionable ... After two years of playing in downpours at McAfee Coliseum, the Broncos will find much kinder conditions this season; Sunday's forecast is for sunny skies with temperatures in the upper 60s.
Notebook: Bailey Returns
Bye Week Helped Hamstring Healing Process
In spite of his injuries, Champ Bailey is on pace for a career high in interceptions and has matched his season tally for three of the past four years.
By Andrew Mason
DenverBroncos.com
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- All went as well as could be expected for cornerback Champ Bailey on Wednesday as he returned to the practice field after sitting out Monday's post-bye work.
"Just (from) my observations today on what he did, he looked pretty good," Head Coach Mike Shanahan said following the afternoon practice session at team headquarters.
It was Bailey's first on-field work in eight days, as the Broncos scattered away from team headquarters following a practice on the morning of Nov. 1.
"(The bye week) helped," Bailey said. "You don't get many breaks like we got, so I took full advantage."
But being back to normal is another matter entirely as this particular hamstring issue has lingered since Sept. 26.
"Ask me that about a month after the season," Bailey said. "I might can give you a 'Yes' on that."
But for the moment, Bailey saw a full practice worth of work Wednesday afternoon, Shanahan said.
"We practiced full speed and he looked pretty good out there," Shanahan said. "Hopefully there's no setback and he keeps on practicing like he did today."
And, Bailey believes, that means he'll be able to play at a stellar level.
"The Only reason I get concerned is if my play really diminishes," he said. "I won’t let that happen."
A 'PATIENT' PATIENT: One name absent from the injury report this week after being a staple of the ledger of bruises and breaks throughout the year was that of tight end Nate Jackson, who has grappled with a hamstring injury since training camp, rendering his playing time scant in the first half of the season.
"I know I have to be patient with this thing," Jackson said. "When you're injured at the beginning of the year, things go on without you and you have to just be ready when things do come back around."
The season's first eight weeks saw Jackson play in only two games -- just one of which included some offensive snaps for the third-year receiver-turned-tight end. That meant that Jackson's development at his new position was delayed. However, he feels in better condition to work now than he has in weeks.
"I wouldn't say I'm 100 percent, but I feel good," he said. "I feel like I'm just going to keep working hard and whatever I am called on, I'll be ready to play and make plays."
Having the bye weekend to provide a five-day respite helped, he said.
"It was good to get that rest," Jackson said. "I feel ready to attack the second half of the season."
BRONCOS BYTES: Sam Brandon and Mike Leach joined Bailey on the injury report; both practiced and are listed as probable ... Oakland listed 11 players on its injury report; of particular note was wide receiver Randy Moss' status, which was deemed questionable ... After two years of playing in downpours at McAfee Coliseum, the Broncos will find much kinder conditions this season; Sunday's forecast is for sunny skies with temperatures in the upper 60s.