The Denver Broncos are preparing for their first preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings this week, but some players will likely not be ready to go by then if they are unable to practice this week.
Two starters returned to practice on Monday. Ronald Leary sat out of Sunday’s scrimmage, but returned to practice and Adam Gotsis returned from a sore ankle. Rookie tight end Troy Fumagalli also returned in a limited way. He found himself last on the Broncos depth chart, so him being back at practice will be huge for his roster hopes.
Head coach Vance Joseph noted that they are being careful with Fumagalli who is coming off surgery this Spring.
“He’s got a slight groin strain,” Joseph said on Monday. “Again, he had that sports hernia surgery in the spring so we’re just being smart with him. He was really sore the last couple of days, so we gave him a day to get better.”
Tight end Jeff Heuerman continues to sit out of practice with knee soreness, but Vance Joseph noted on Monday that he is hopeful to see him back out there this week.
“Hopefully,” Joseph said of Heuerman. “He’s doing well. He’s progressing and hopefully he’s back this week.”
Another player working his way back to the field is cornerback Tramaine Brock. Joseph said he might be back practicing this week, but would not be playing in the preseason opener on Saturday against the Vikings.
“If he does, he probably won’t play in the game, to be honest,” Joseph said of Brock on Monday. “It’s a hamstring. He’s getting better fast, but just being smart for the long run, he probably won’t go on Saturday. Maybe [he will practice this week], we’ll see. He’s getting better fast.”
Meanwhile, safety Su’a Cravens continues to be held out with knee soreness. It is training camp, so many of these injuries would likely not hamper players ability to play in the regular season. However, the team is being smart and cautious with every single nick and bruise.