Emmanuel Sanders back at practice, 'ready' to return punts for Broncos

After missing three preseason games and most team reps in training camp in 2015 with a hamstring injury, Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders returned to team-work practice on Monday.

The Broncos' first team unit and backups split into two units on the practice field Monday, ostlensibly so that the backups could prepare for the fourth preseason game Thursday while the starters could prepare for the regular season debut against the Baltimore Ravens in less than two weeks.

Two fields of work at #Broncos today. First teamers on one & everybody else that will play on Thursday on the other pic.twitter.com/O2Wiwj6EPl

— Kami Carmann (@KamiCarmann) August 31, 2015

Sanders' return should prove to be a boast for a starting Broncos offense that has looked shaky at best in the preseason, with some even questioning whether it's time to hit the panic button on Peyton Manning. While Sanders doesn't have the requisite initial, perhaps he can figuratively restore the 'F' in 'PFM' with his return.

According to The Denver Post, Evan Mathis practiced with the first team Monday, while Chris Harris Jr. and Tony Carter both did not participate with their own "mild" hamstring injuries.

Emmanuel Sanders, punt returner?

Sanders told reporters Monday that he's also open to returning punts.

Emmanuel Sanders said "I can be dangerous (on punt return) if they need me back there I will be ready"

— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) August 31, 2015

Personally I'm not a fan of this idea - at all - but would love to hear your thoughts. Let me know if you're like me and think Sanders is too valuable to be returning punts in the comments.