Charlie Adams’ game plan for making the Broncos’ 53-man roster?
“Whatever it takes,” Adams said after another standout performance Saturday night in the Broncos’ 26-21 victory over San Francisco in a preseason game at Invesco Field at Mile High.
Adams is going to do everything it takes to not only make the Broncos’ final roster, which will be set Sept. 3, but become a major contributor. Adams, who has spent four games on the regular-season roster each of the past two seasons, has been one of the stars of training camp regardless of position.
With Darius Watts sputtering ahead of him at wide receiver and Adams outplaying rookie returner Darrent Williams, Adams’ chances of being more than end-of-the-roster insurance are increasing by the day.
Adams impressed the coaching staff in a new way Saturday. He had second-half punt returns of 39 and 29 yards, finishing with three punt returns for 77 yards. Williams, a second-round draft pick who has been more impressive at cornerback than as a returner in the preseason, had one punt return for 5 yards.
Denver coach Mike Shanahan said Adams’ performance as a punt returner creates competition at the position.
“Charlie obviously proved (Saturday) that he can make some people miss,” Shanahan said. “I think Williams has proved, at least in his collegiate career, that any time he touches the ball he can go the distance.”
Adams’ plan is to make a push for major playing time. He has been consistent as a wide receiver, and with the struggles of Watts, who has dropped three passes in each preseason game, there’s opportunity to move up.
Adams says he wants more than a roster spot. “I’ve worked on my consistency. I want to be a guy the team can count on.”
Defense improves
Denver’s first-team defense struggled in the preseason opener against the Houston Texans. Saturday against the 49ers, the unit was much more solid.
San Francisco rookie quarterback Alex Smith, the No. 1 pick in the April draft, completed just 2-of-7 passes for 18 yards. Kevan Barlow was held to 36 yards on eight carries.
“We toughened up,” Denver defensive coordinator Larry Coyer said. “It was a good effort. We’re getting better.”
Injury report
There’s a chance Denver’s Brandon Browner could end up on injured reserve after the rookie safety broke a bone in his right arm Saturday. Last week, safety Chris Young was placed on injured reserve after suffering a kneecap injury.
Offensive lineman Tyson Clabo suffered a left-ankle injury in the second quarter Saturday and didn’t return. Clabo is trying to secure a backup job.
“I’m pretty pleased with the way I played, but you get something like (this injury), you hope it doesn’t keep you out for too long,” Clabo said. “But I’ll be back. It’ll take a lot to keep me off the field.”
Patrick Chukwurah, a backup linebacker, is expected to practice this week after X-rays on his left hand were negative.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
