In case NFL teams not named the Broncos care, Maurice Clarett worked out in his hotel fitness room Tuesday afternoon.
“Excuse me,” Clarett said after his workout when approached in the lobby by a reporter.
Towel draped over his head, headphones planting music into his ears, sweat soaked through his thick clothing, Clarett was offered the chance to express his thoughts about officially being cut by the Broncos on Tuesday. His first response was to fold back the towel and flash a disbelieving smile.
“I can’t hear anything,” he said, gesturing to his headphones.
At last, the elevator called. Where does the former Ohio State running back star go from here? The first move is to pack up and leave Denver, which likely will happen soon after 2 p.m. today, when Clarett finds out whether he has been claimed on waivers.
There is almost no chance of this happening because along with the waiver claim is Clarett’s incentive-laden contract, worth up to $7 million. Most likely, Clarett will become a free agent, which in turn would free possible suitors to negotiate a more favorable contract. The Broncos said they would not be surprised if a team signs him as a free agent with a plan of waiving him again next week and adding him to the practice squad.
Among teams that may have tailback needs are Pittsburgh, Dallas and Arizona.
“We’re keeping our fingers crossed,” said Steve Feldman, Clarett’s agent.
Clarett may have to first prove himself in the Canadian Football League or Arena Football League.
Hurricane hits home
Away from the football field, Dorsett Davis’ life has been more hectic than most. On Friday, his fiancée, Tia, gave birth to their first son, Daizion.
Saturday, Davis tried to play well enough at defensive tackle to earn a spot on the Broncos’ 53-man roster. So far, so good – he’s still here.
Monday, Davis was excused from the team’s workout so he could fly home to Cleveland, Miss., where his family and relatives are dealing with Hurricane Katrina.
After his workout Tuesday, Davis talked about how a big tree in the front yard destroyed the roof of the garage.
“My dad was a little alarmed by that, but he’s OK, everybody’s OK,” Davis said. “Everything’s flooded. Everything’s a mess down there.”
Footnotes
The Broncos’ active roster stands at 72 players, which includes seven exemptions because of NFL Europe participation. …
Cornerback Jeff Shoate, who has not recovered from knee surgery, was waived, and defensive end Chukie Nwokorie was placed on the injured-reserve list with a left quadriceps injury. …
Champ Bailey, the Broncos’ top cornerback who has missed all three preseason games with a hamstring strain, returned to practice Tuesday. “I feel great. I’ll be ready for Miami,” Bailey said of the season opener.
Mike Klis can be reached at 303-820-5440 or mklis@denverpost.com.
