Minor injury shelves Lepsis - The Orange Mane

SoCalBronco · 08-12-2005, 12:16 AM

Minor injury shelves Lepsis
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer

Houston - While several key players' availability for Saturday night's preseason opener against the Houston Texans remains in question, a newly injured player's status is clear.

Left tackle Matt Lepsis will not play after suffering a hamstring pull Wednesday in practice.

Neither coach Mike Shanahan nor Matt Lepsis said he believes the injury is serious. Backup Cornell Green is expected to start Saturday.

"I'll be back in a few days," Lepsis said. "It's real minor."

Meanwhile, Shanahan said cornerback Champ Bailey and defensive tackle Gerard Warren (hamstrings) are questionable. Neither has made it through a full practice in several days.

Receiver Jerry Rice, who has plantar fasciitis in his left foot, practiced Thursday. He said he will not push the injury and will play only if he feels improvement Saturday night.

Kanell struggles with change

Quarterback Danny Kanell is not going to complain about falling to No. 4 on the Broncos' depth chart. But it hasn't been easy for him.

"This has been the biggest professional challenge of my career," Kanell said of his demotion. "It hasn't been easy. It's been a tough week."

Kanell, the Broncos' backup quarterback last season despite the fact he didn't take a snap, was replaced by second-year player Bradlee Van Pelt on Aug. 2. Kanell is third on the depth chart, but second-year player Matt Mauck has been working ahead of him. Kanell probably will play at the end of Saturday night's game.

Kanell said he thought he was performing well in camp. He had one of the best offseason programs of his career.

"What's tough is that this was unexpected," he said.

Cowboy reunion

Darrent Williams and second-year running back Tatum Bell spent time with their former Oklahoma State teammate Vernand Morency this week. Like Williams, Morency is a rookie. He is competing for the starting tailback job with the Texans.

"It's a lot of fun to hang out with Morency this week," Bell said. "We're both competing

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for a starting job. Me, him and Darrent had fun in college, and it's good that we're all starting our NFL careers basically together."
Defense relishes 3-4 time

The Broncos will face several teams this season that use the 3-4 alignment as their base defense. Thus, the two practice days and preseason game with the Texans, who sport the 3-4, are useful.

"With the 3-4, everything is different - different lanes, different everything," Broncos receiver Rod Smith said. "We play a lot of 3-4 teams this year, so working against the defense will help us."

Footnotes

Ebenezer Ekuban, who overtook Marco Coleman at defensive end this week, is expected to start Saturday. Courtney Brown is the starter but will be out about three more weeks with a dislocated elbow. ...

Shanahan was pleased the temperatures and humidity hovered in the 90s during the team's practices with the Texans. "This is exactly what I wanted," he said. The Broncos expect similar conditions for their season opener at Miami on Sept. 11. ...

Broncos general manager Ted Sundquist was thrilled the NFL owners voted to keep the number of practice-squad players at eight instead of five. "It's huge," Sundquist said. "It helps set your entire roster, not just the practice squad." ...

Monday's practice at Dove Valley will be open to the public and starts at 2:45 p.m.

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

ludo21 · 08-12-2005, 01:15 AM

"This has been the biggest professional challenge of my career," Kanell said of his demotion. "It hasn't been easy. It's been a tough week."

Kanell, the Broncos' backup quarterback last season despite the fact he didn't take a snap, was replaced by second-year player Bradlee Van Pelt on Aug. 2. Kanell is third on the depth chart, but second-year player Matt Mauck has been working ahead of him. Kanell probably will play at the end of Saturday night's game.

Kanell said he thought he was performing well in camp. He had one of the best offseason programs of his career.

"What's tough is that this was unexpected," he said

-unexpected?? According to every report ive heard You have sucked! We will see if he has the resolve to fight back up the depth chart, but if BVP is stepping his game up, bye bye Danny....

Kaylore · 08-12-2005, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Kanell said he thought he was performing well in camp.

Ok, either 1. He is lying and doesn't want to admit that he sucks. (which raises questions about his integrity and whatnot.) Or 2. He not only sucks but doesn't even realize it, in which case it is even more obvious why he's falling that far.

Honestly I kind of feel sorry for him, but when you say things like that and everyone there can see you're making mistakes, the same mistakes repeatedly, I just don't know what else to day. None of our backup swould help us win games but Kannell is playing to lose them right now.

TotallyScrewed · 08-12-2005, 06:11 AM

Sounds a bit Beurelein-ish, don't it.

"I didn't know I suck"

Sad to go out that way.

watermock · 08-12-2005, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TotallyScrewed

Sounds a bit Beurelein-ish, don't it.

"I didn't know I suck"

Sad to go out that way.

Someone needs to remind him we took him off the bread line in the first place.

watermock · 08-12-2005, 10:03 AM

I wouldn't surprise me if we try to get that franchise LT next year. Lepsis and Carswell have done well, but both are starting to get long in the tooth.

Ballhawk · 08-12-2005, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watermock

I wouldn't surprise me if we try to get that franchise LT next year. Lepsis and Carswell have done well, but both are starting to get long in the tooth.

This would be a dream if it happened. Look at what Pace, Walters, Ogden have done for their respective teams. If we could land a quality LT like that and team him up with an ever improving Foster for the next 9 years I would be thrilled!!

watermock · 08-12-2005, 03:25 PM

I think there are three or four quality LT's that should be there if they don't screw up or get injured. I'm not the resident draft expert, but a cursory glance at the top prospects projecting to next year shows several LT's. If who we wanted isn't there, we have a second first rounder. We can take a big WR or if they like someone they think can be a Franchise QB, I don't think that is out of the question. Depends on how Jake and BVD do. People in the know understand we will need a LT, Franchise QB eventually, and a big strong WR. I wouldn't mind any of the three this year, but we have to wait.

Broncoman13 · 08-12-2005, 03:27 PM

Suprisingly enough Pasta thought Lepsis and Foster would form one of the better bookend tandems in the league this year. I almost had a heart attack when I heard him give us that much credit... considering he hates us that's a nice compliment!

Broncoman13 · 08-12-2005, 03:29 PM

Speaking of LT's in the NCAA right now... does anybody else find it somewhat suprising that the Brick isn't on any of the AP PS All American teams... not even on the third team!

watermock · 08-12-2005, 03:31 PM

I strongly believe we should keep Foster at RT and let him continue to improve, even if it's slow progress. He's more than adequate allready, and I don't think he's close to his peak whatsoever. Leave him where he is and we get a true left tackle next year. I said all along Foster was a true RT and was laughed at. That's why I felt he was taken too high.

Broncoman13 · 08-12-2005, 03:38 PM

I don't think LT is as much of a need now. I would say the OG positions are of deeper concern, especially when you take into consideration how well Lepsis did in his first year at LT! He'll likely get better and better. True he's been in the league for what 7 years now... but he still has a way's to go and playing at a lighter weight will extend his career a year or two beyond what a normal LT would give. I have zero idea of what OG's will be available but I venture to say we could get one of the best in the draft with our 2nd 1st round pick in 06. Remember, Hamilton likely moves to Center next year and that will leave a hole at LG and possibly RG too... depending on how Carlisle plays.

SoCalBronco · 08-12-2005, 04:15 PM

LT IS a need. Lepsis is going to be a FA next year. He did a pretty decent job last year. We arent going to pay him big bucks when he is already right at 30 or so and the draft happens to have about 5 stud OTs projected for the first round.

watermock · 08-12-2005, 04:33 PM

I'm not saying we take a LT, I'm saying we might get a high pick and a cursory look shows several high rated LT's. on the horizon. We can put a potential franchise LT at guard his first year anyway. We draft a LT, Lepsis is going into his 9th year going into 2007. Remember, we are looking a year in advance here. I don't want to move Foster at all. That bull has staked out his turf there, and should be allowed to continue his slow improvement. I'm all for taking the best player available, and account for need, but LT, QB, and a big WR are all things the team can use. It's a long time to draft day, and injuries, the rise and fall of players will all influence it. If Walls struggles and there is a franchise corner, you go that way.

Broncoman13 · 08-12-2005, 04:33 PM

So you're thinking that LT is a bigger need than OG?

watermock · 08-12-2005, 04:51 PM

No, I'm saying OG isn't a first round position. We are all falling over ourselves over Myers, and he was a 6th rounder.

Minnesota drafted what looks like a monster OG in the second. Only franchise LT's go super high. I never said we didn't need to draft some guard depth with the impending loss of Nalen, and of course Neil is gone, Hamilton is undersized, Meyers unproven but fits our profile. Need another, and I am sure we will spend one, maybe two picks on OL. Denver seems to like to get OL off the scrap heap tho, and it's worked fairly well. Still, a franchise LT has been missing for about 6 years. Hey, funny thing...isn't that about as long as we have won a playoff game?

I'm not dishing Lepsis, or Nalen, or Neil but give me a break. Drafting is nothing more than looking into the future.

We will need a LT, a new QB, and certainly a franchise WR or TE.

longtimer · 08-12-2005, 07:27 PM

Here is a link to draft info

http://www.nflfans.com/draft/

08-12-2005, 12:16 AM	#1
SoCalBronco Nixonite Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Arcadia, CA Posts: 33,319 Adopt-a-Bronco: D.J. Williams	Minor injury shelves Lepsis Minor injury shelves Lepsis By Bill Williamson Denver Post Staff Writer Houston - While several key players' availability for Saturday night's preseason opener against the Houston Texans remains in question, a newly injured player's status is clear. Left tackle Matt Lepsis will not play after suffering a hamstring pull Wednesday in practice. Neither coach Mike Shanahan nor Matt Lepsis said he believes the injury is serious. Backup Cornell Green is expected to start Saturday. "I'll be back in a few days," Lepsis said. "It's real minor." Meanwhile, Shanahan said cornerback Champ Bailey and defensive tackle Gerard Warren (hamstrings) are questionable. Neither has made it through a full practice in several days. Receiver Jerry Rice, who has plantar fasciitis in his left foot, practiced Thursday. He said he will not push the injury and will play only if he feels improvement Saturday night. Kanell struggles with change Quarterback Danny Kanell is not going to complain about falling to No. 4 on the Broncos' depth chart. But it hasn't been easy for him. "This has been the biggest professional challenge of my career," Kanell said of his demotion. "It hasn't been easy. It's been a tough week." Kanell, the Broncos' backup quarterback last season despite the fact he didn't take a snap, was replaced by second-year player Bradlee Van Pelt on Aug. 2. Kanell is third on the depth chart, but second-year player Matt Mauck has been working ahead of him. Kanell probably will play at the end of Saturday night's game. Kanell said he thought he was performing well in camp. He had one of the best offseason programs of his career. "What's tough is that this was unexpected," he said. Cowboy reunion Darrent Williams and second-year running back Tatum Bell spent time with their former Oklahoma State teammate Vernand Morency this week. Like Williams, Morency is a rookie. He is competing for the starting tailback job with the Texans. "It's a lot of fun to hang out with Morency this week," Bell said. "We're both competing -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Advertisement -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- for a starting job. Me, him and Darrent had fun in college, and it's good that we're all starting our NFL careers basically together." Defense relishes 3-4 time The Broncos will face several teams this season that use the 3-4 alignment as their base defense. Thus, the two practice days and preseason game with the Texans, who sport the 3-4, are useful. "With the 3-4, everything is different - different lanes, different everything," Broncos receiver Rod Smith said. "We play a lot of 3-4 teams this year, so working against the defense will help us." Footnotes Ebenezer Ekuban, who overtook Marco Coleman at defensive end this week, is expected to start Saturday. Courtney Brown is the starter but will be out about three more weeks with a dislocated elbow. ... Shanahan was pleased the temperatures and humidity hovered in the 90s during the team's practices with the Texans. "This is exactly what I wanted," he said. The Broncos expect similar conditions for their season opener at Miami on Sept. 11. ... Broncos general manager Ted Sundquist was thrilled the NFL owners voted to keep the number of practice-squad players at eight instead of five. "It's huge," Sundquist said. "It helps set your entire roster, not just the practice squad." ... Monday's practice at Dove Valley will be open to the public and starts at 2:45 p.m. Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com. __________________ ITS A PLAYOFF HOCKEY NIGHT IN PITTSBURGH!

08-12-2005, 03:25 PM	#8
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	I think there are three or four quality LT's that should be there if they don't screw up or get injured. I'm not the resident draft expert, but a cursory glance at the top prospects projecting to next year shows several LT's. If who we wanted isn't there, we have a second first rounder. We can take a big WR or if they like someone they think can be a Franchise QB, I don't think that is out of the question. Depends on how Jake and BVD do. People in the know understand we will need a LT, Franchise QB eventually, and a big strong WR. I wouldn't mind any of the three this year, but we have to wait. Last edited by watermock; 08-12-2005 at 03:28 PM..

08-12-2005, 04:15 PM	#13
SoCalBronco Nixonite Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Arcadia, CA Posts: 33,319 Adopt-a-Bronco: D.J. Williams	LT IS a need. Lepsis is going to be a FA next year. He did a pretty decent job last year. We arent going to pay him big bucks when he is already right at 30 or so and the draft happens to have about 5 stud OTs projected for the first round. __________________ ITS A PLAYOFF HOCKEY NIGHT IN PITTSBURGH!

08-12-2005, 04:51 PM	#16
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	No, I'm saying OG isn't a first round position. We are all falling over ourselves over Myers, and he was a 6th rounder. Minnesota drafted what looks like a monster OG in the second. Only franchise LT's go super high. I never said we didn't need to draft some guard depth with the impending loss of Nalen, and of course Neil is gone, Hamilton is undersized, Meyers unproven but fits our profile. Need another, and I am sure we will spend one, maybe two picks on OL. Denver seems to like to get OL off the scrap heap tho, and it's worked fairly well. Still, a franchise LT has been missing for about 6 years. Hey, funny thing...isn't that about as long as we have won a playoff game? I'm not dishing Lepsis, or Nalen, or Neil but give me a break. Drafting is nothing more than looking into the future. We will need a LT, a new QB, and certainly a franchise WR or TE. Last edited by watermock; 08-12-2005 at 04:54 PM..

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08-12-2005, 01:15 AM	#2
ludo21 RIP Darrent Williams Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 17,915 Adopt-a-Bronco: Paul Ernster	"This has been the biggest professional challenge of my career," Kanell said of his demotion. "It hasn't been easy. It's been a tough week." Kanell, the Broncos' backup quarterback last season despite the fact he didn't take a snap, was replaced by second-year player Bradlee Van Pelt on Aug. 2. Kanell is third on the depth chart, but second-year player Matt Mauck has been working ahead of him. Kanell probably will play at the end of Saturday night's game. Kanell said he thought he was performing well in camp. He had one of the best offseason programs of his career. "What's tough is that this was unexpected," he said -unexpected?? According to every report ive heard You have sucked! We will see if he has the resolve to fight back up the depth chart, but if BVP is stepping his game up, bye bye Danny....

08-12-2005, 06:11 AM	#4
TotallyScrewed Ring of Famer Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 1,597	Sounds a bit Beurelein-ish, don't it. "I didn't know I suck" Sad to go out that way.

08-12-2005, 10:03 AM	#6
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	I wouldn't surprise me if we try to get that franchise LT next year. Lepsis and Carswell have done well, but both are starting to get long in the tooth.

08-12-2005, 03:27 PM	#9
Broncoman13 Broncoholic JT #80 Join Date: May 2001 Location: Colorado Posts: 16,962 Adopt-a-Bronco: Orange Julius	Suprisingly enough Pasta thought Lepsis and Foster would form one of the better bookend tandems in the league this year. I almost had a heart attack when I heard him give us that much credit... considering he hates us that's a nice compliment!

08-12-2005, 03:29 PM	#10
Broncoman13 Broncoholic JT #80 Join Date: May 2001 Location: Colorado Posts: 16,962 Adopt-a-Bronco: Orange Julius	Speaking of LT's in the NCAA right now... does anybody else find it somewhat suprising that the Brick isn't on any of the AP PS All American teams... not even on the third team!

08-12-2005, 03:31 PM	#11
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	I strongly believe we should keep Foster at RT and let him continue to improve, even if it's slow progress. He's more than adequate allready, and I don't think he's close to his peak whatsoever. Leave him where he is and we get a true left tackle next year. I said all along Foster was a true RT and was laughed at. That's why I felt he was taken too high.

08-12-2005, 03:38 PM	#12
Broncoman13 Broncoholic JT #80 Join Date: May 2001 Location: Colorado Posts: 16,962 Adopt-a-Bronco: Orange Julius	I don't think LT is as much of a need now. I would say the OG positions are of deeper concern, especially when you take into consideration how well Lepsis did in his first year at LT! He'll likely get better and better. True he's been in the league for what 7 years now... but he still has a way's to go and playing at a lighter weight will extend his career a year or two beyond what a normal LT would give. I have zero idea of what OG's will be available but I venture to say we could get one of the best in the draft with our 2nd 1st round pick in 06. Remember, Hamilton likely moves to Center next year and that will leave a hole at LG and possibly RG too... depending on how Carlisle plays.

08-12-2005, 04:33 PM	#14
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	I'm not saying we take a LT, I'm saying we might get a high pick and a cursory look shows several high rated LT's. on the horizon. We can put a potential franchise LT at guard his first year anyway. We draft a LT, Lepsis is going into his 9th year going into 2007. Remember, we are looking a year in advance here. I don't want to move Foster at all. That bull has staked out his turf there, and should be allowed to continue his slow improvement. I'm all for taking the best player available, and account for need, but LT, QB, and a big WR are all things the team can use. It's a long time to draft day, and injuries, the rise and fall of players will all influence it. If Walls struggles and there is a franchise corner, you go that way.

08-12-2005, 07:27 PM	#17
longtimer Pro Bowler Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 646	Here is a link to draft info http://www.nflfans.com/draft/

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