Depth charts can be tough on football friendships.
When the Broncos adjusted their backup quarterback depth chart this week, it put the starter, Jake Plummer, in an awkward position.
He understands why the promotion of former Colorado State star Bradlee Van Pelt to No. 2 so captivated the local football audience.
“I know people like him, and I like him,” Plummer said. “He’s got a contagious attitude. However it pans out, I’ve got to be supportive of him and they’ve got to be supportive of me and continue to push me.”
Plummer has too much respect for Danny Kanell, however, to wholeheartedly endorse the shake-up behind him. Since Plummer became the Broncos’ quarterback two years ago, Kanell has pretty much been his backup.
Kanell will have to rally to become the No. 2 this season, after he was dropped to fourth string behind Van Pelt and Matt Mauck.
“I love the guy to death,” Plummer said of Kanell. “He does a lot for me mentally and has been really supportive. I feel bad for him because he hasn’t really done anything to not deserve a shot. But when you have a young kid like Bradlee, they’re going to give him an opportunity to see what he has. Either he succeeds or he fails, and so far he’s doing all right.”
The preseason games will tell, but so far Van Pelt has been throwing with surprising efficiency and his size and willingness to run makes him a multidimensional weapon, particularly around the goal line and in short-yardage situations. He may hang on to the ball too long in the pocket, but feel can only be gained through experience.
“He’s come quite a bit,” Plummer said. “People had doubts whether he could even play quarterback going back to college. And then he did well and when he came here, people thought he would become a safety or something beside a quarterback and he’s come in and done a really good job of putting in the work to get ready.
“We’ll see how he does in the games. It’s early. As far as I’m concerned, I’ve got to be worried about my job. I don’t want those guys behind me getting a chance to play. Hopefully whoever it is won’t see the field.”
Feeling some pain
Even before defensive tackle Courtney Brown dislocated his elbow, Steve Antonopulos was having a mixed day at the trainer’s tables.
Defensive end Trevor Pryce returned to the morning workout after sitting out Tuesday because of tightness in his surgically repaired lower back.
“Today is actually the best I’ve felt in a long time,” Pryce said. “I just have some scar tissue that needs to be broken up and it takes some time. I think all I need is to get on the one-a-day program every other day.”
Moving to the sidelines, though, was starting defensive back Champ Bailey, rookie running back Maurice Clarett and linebacker Jashon Sykes.
Bailey’s left hamstring tightened up during the Tuesday morning workout. He probably will take it easy again today in hopes of participating in Saturday morning’s full-pad scrimmage.
“If there were a game Sunday I’d be out there playing,” Bailey said.
Clarett hasn’t played football at any level the past two seasons and the residuals of inactivity caught up to him after six days of two-a-days.
“My groin’s aching a little bit so just getting a little breather,” Clarett said. “Been cutting a whole lot, but it’s cool.”
Sykes also suffered a strained groin and is expected to miss the next two or three days.
Mike Klis can be reached at 303-820-5440 or mklis@denverpost.com.
