Denver Broncos Training Camp Day 9 news and notes

Day 9 of Denver Broncos Training Camp is now in the books. It wasn't an overly exciting practice. The players weren't wearing any pads and a number of starters sat out today as well. This allowed for the youngsters to get an opportunity to prove themselves. Today we have the vets getting a day off, an update on the quarterbacks, Justin Simmons with an incredible interception, Adam Gotsis just about 100%, Bennie Fowler playing like a starter, news and notes, an injury update and more!

Veterans Day off

Head Coach Gary Kubiak gave a handful of veterans a day off today. The Broncos practiced in pads on Thursday, so it makes sense to give some of your stars a breather.

Veterans off today: CB Harris, S Ward, S Stewart, ILB Marshall, DLs Wolfe, Williams, Walker, WRs Thomas & Sanders, C Paradis, TE Green.

— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) August 5, 2016

The players given a day off included cornerback Chris Harris, safeties T..J. Ward and Darian Stewart, defensive lineman Derek Wolfe, Sylvester Williams, and Vance Walker, Inside linebacker Brandon Marshall, receivers Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, center Matt Paradis and tight end Virgil Green.

Quarterback update

All three quarterbacks had good days today. It wasn't a padded practice, and a good number of the Broncos starting defense sat out today so it makes sense for them to have success today.

Siemian had a better day and even stretched the field some. He hit Bennie Fowler for a 40-yard or so pass during team drills. Fowler beat the second-year corner, Lorenzo Doss.

Mark Sanchez had a nice play fake in practice today and overall had a steady practice. He did throw an interception, but it was a great play by Justin Simmons. Nothing really noteworthy for Sanchez today.

The rookie Paxton Lynch probably had the best throw of the day when he threw a beautiful fade route to Mose Fraizer for a touchdown. This play drew praise from Gary Kubiak and the fans.

Paxton has been running some absolutely beautiful bootlegs the last few days.
"Broncos porn," as I believe @NateKreckman called it.

— Ryan Koenigsberg (@RyanKoenigsberg) August 5, 2016

Lynch is by far the best on the bootleg play which is a staple in the Gary Kubiak offense. He is much more athletic than the other two quarterback and just looks smooth out there. The other two either struggle with it or look awkward on the move, so that will be something to watch during the preseason.

Lynch also saw some work with the number two offense today, so that's something to keep an eye on going forward.

At this point, unless one of them starts separating from the group or really struggling, I don't expect any answers on this battle. Like Kubiak said on Thursday, we'll get answers after the first preseason game.

Justin Simmons had a nice interception

The Broncos third round pick, safety Justin Simmons has been looking impressive thus far in Training Camp. Today he intercepted Mark Sanchez when he literally took the ball away from tight end Garrett Graham.

Justin Simmons just TOOK the ball from Garrett Graham. Graham brought it in, and then Simmons snatched it away. Oh, my, what a play.

— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) August 5, 2016

Simmons has been taking first-team reps with the nickel defense and playing deep safety. It really looks like the Broncos have a young and talented addition to their "No Fly Zone".

Rookie defensive end Adam Gotsis expected to play in preseason opener

According to Broncos Head Coach Gary Kubiak, rookie defensive end Adam Gotsis is expected to play in the teams preseason opener next week against the Chicago Bears.

#Broncos Kubiak said that he expects rookie DT Adam Gotsis to play in preseason opener Thursday. Continues to make progress w knee. #Denver7

— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) August 5, 2016

There were some questions about Gotsis's health heading into camp, but a week into camp, Gotsis is just about "full go" according to Kubiak.

"He’s about full go right now. He’s almost going through the entire practice. I think he’s doing some good things, typical rookie. He’s got a way to go. Defensive Line Coach Bill Kollar is coaching him hard and trying to get him ready to go. We’ll see. I expect to play next week."

Thi is excellent news for Gotsis suffered a torn ACL last October. Now that he's fully healthy he can push for some snaps on the Broncos defensive line this preseason.

Bennie Fowler is having a great Training Camp

Gary Kubiak praised the Broncos young receiver after practice today. With Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders sitting out practice, Fowler took reps with the 1st team offense and played very well.

Kubiak praised Fowler for having a good camp. Said WR has realized that he can be a starter in NFL and he's working for it.

— Jon Heath (@JonHeathNFL) August 5, 2016

Kubiak said Bennie is having an "excellent camp" and is working towards being a starter in this league.

"Bennie has had an excellent camp. As a player, once you get into that third, fourth year, I don’t know what year Bennie is, but you start to see, hey, I can be a starter. I think that is what is going on with Bennie. Bennie sees himself at another level that he is willing to work towards. I’m very proud of him right now."

The number three job is wide open, but as of now you can pencil in Bennie Fowler in that spot and expect him to have a solid season for the Broncos in 2016.

News and notes

• Andy Janovich will be a big part of the Broncos offense this year and so far has looked the part in camp.
• Juwan Thompson and Kapri Bibbs had long runs today.
• Devontae Booker is a "powerful running back" according to Jon Heath.
• Rookie defensive lineman Adam Gotsis showed a good push today.
• Inside linebacker, Zaire Anderson had a sack on Trevor Siemian today.
• The Broncos interior offensive line continued to shuffle around today. The competition for the reserve roles at guard and center figures to be intense.

Notable quotes

Gary Kubiak on Juwan Thompson and Andy Janovich competing at fullback

"They both have good hands. It’s nice to have a fullback. They are both very smart. We ask our fullback to do a lot of things. I think we knew what Andy was when we drafted him. I think with Juwan it’s been exciting to see him take on what we’ve asked him to do. He’s playing both. If anybody knows, the more you can do for a team, the better chance you have to make a team. He’s doing a really good job."

Gary Kubiak on the offensive line depth

"They are all going to be there, but this is training camp. I’d love for them all to be working together and everybody be perfect and healthy. That’s not happening right now. We’ll get them there eventually. What we’re finding out, you’re watching Darrion Weems play, you’re watching Ferentz and you’re watching some guys really become some good players. I try to stay focused on the long haul. I’d like to have all five out there on a perfect day, but we’ll get there."

Gary Kubiak on guard/tackle Michael Schofield

"Obviously Scho gets the hard end of the stick because he’s a guy we move everywhere. That’s what gives him a chance for him to become a good player. He’s got 13 starts in the NFL under his belt at right tackle. He played in the Super Bowl. Think about the things Michael has been in and now he is playing all over the place. It gives Michael a chance to be the best player he can be."