The NFL’s most talked about fifth-string running back was back on the practice field Thursday.
Embattled rookie Maurice Clarett participated in the Broncos’ final training camp workouts. Clarett, who had to stop in the morning practice to stretch his injured groin, worked out for the first time since Aug. 8. He was injured Aug. 3.
Clarett is not expected to play Saturday night against San Francisco at Invesco Field at Mile High, thus missing at least half the preseason.
“You have to earn playing time,” Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. “You have to practice and be ready.”
There’s a chance Clarett may not play until the preseason finale Sept. 2 at Arizona. The starters are expected to play into the third quarter Aug. 27 against visiting Indianapolis. Playing behind starter Mike Anderson and backups Tatum Bell, Ron Dayne and Quentin Griffin, Clarett may have difficulty getting onto the field against the Colts, even if he stays healthy.
Shanahan has said Clarett has to get practice repetitions to have a chance to make the 53-man roster when it’s announced Sept. 3. The third-round pick worked at tailback in the morning and did scout-team work at linebacker along with the other deep reserves. He was also on the scout-team kick units during the special-teams workout in the afternoon.
“Any time you’re out of practice for as long as he has been, it’s almost like starting over,” Shanahan said. “You’ve got to get your legs back. He missed a lot of reps, knowing what to do from an offensive standpoint. It takes some time. The only way he can get better is to compete.”
Clarett did not respond to repeated interview requests.
His teammates were happy to see the former Ohio State star work through his injury and hit the field.
Receiver Rod Smith said nearly everyone at camp is dealing with some type of nagging injury.
“It’s a grind. That’s the thing that separates who is going to be on the team and who’s not, who can come up and still make those plays when they are a little bit hurt,” Smith said. “There is a difference between being hurt and injured. When you’re injured, that’s another thing. (Defensive end) Courtney Brown is injured. That’s a totally different scenario.
“But if you have a tweak here and there, which has been the case for me all camp, you have to find a way to get going each and every morning to come out and practice. Some of those guys are going to have to grow up quick with that, because in this business they are not going to wait on you. We still have to move forward whether you are here or not.”
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
