Houston – Maurice Clarett may not be the only high-profile Bronco to miss the preseason opener Saturday night.
Star cornerback Champ Bailey (hamstring) and defensive tackle Gerard Warren (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday. Wide receiver Jerry Rice (plantar fasciitis) skipped the morning practice but was on the field Wednesday night.
Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said Rice came out of the evening practice healthy.
Shanahan said it was too early to determine whether any of those players will miss Saturday’s game against the Houston Texans.
“If they’re ready by Friday, they’d play Saturday,” Shanahan said. “We’ll wait and see what happens.”
Rice’s left foot has been bothering him for three days, and he was uncertain whether he will be able to play Saturday.
“I’m not ready to say that yet,” Rice said. “I’ll have to see how it keeps progressing.”
If Rice does not play Saturday it will be a precautionary measure. Shanahan said the injury is not considered serious.
The same applies to Bailey and Warren. Bailey, who would likely be replaced by rookie Darrent Williams in the starting lineup, said he aggravated the injury Monday in practice. He said he will be careful from now on.
“I’m not going to mess with the hammy,” Bailey said. “It’s no big deal, but there’s no need to rush it. Hopefully, it’ll be ready for Saturday.”
Warren, who was limited in practice Wednesday, called his injury a tweak. Not being able to participate in the workouts with the Texans bothered Warren.
“I feel like a dog who can’t play with a ball,” Warren said.
Also, cornerback Roc Alexander suffered a wrist injury Wednesday morning, but it’s not considered serious.
