Jake Plummer will make his first return to Arizona as the Broncos’ quarterback Friday, after leaving the Cardinals in 2003 as a free agent.
The homecoming is likely to be anticlimactic, as Plummer is expected to spend the game on the bench with the rest of Denver’s starters, who will be looking ahead to the season opener Sept. 11 at Miami. The Cardinals’ starters are expected to play perhaps through the first half.
Plummer grew used to playing in the preseason finale during his six seasons with the Cardinals.
“I’d like to play them, but I think it’s kind of sweet that I’m not because it’s a nice reminder of where I am,” Plummer said. “Coach (Mike) Shanahan takes care of his veterans and allows us to get ready for the season. Instead of worrying about a game plan for this game, I’m already watching a little film of Miami and preparing for the season and being healthy.”
Plummer, who starred at Arizona State, will get the chance to play in Arizona next year, when the Cardinals will be on the Broncos’ regular-season schedule.
Clarett goes unclaimed
Rookie running back Maurice Clarett went unclaimed off the waiver wire Wednesday after his official release from the Broncos on Tuesday.
The third-round pick is an unrestricted free agent, but it doesn’t appear there will be a rush to sign him. Only a handful of teams were interested in the former Ohio State player on draft day, and Denver’s decision to cut him likely shortened the list.
Clarett checked out of his Denver-area hotel Wednesday and likely will return to his home in Los Angeles to resume training. No other Broncos players cut Tuesday were claimed.
Brown could play
One starter who might get playing time against the Cardinals on Friday is defensive end Courtney Brown. The plan had been to play Brown during the preseason finale because he missed the first three games after suffering a dislocated left elbow Aug. 4. Brown returned to practice Monday.
Shanahan said he didn’t know for sure if Brown will play against the Cardinals. He likely will play at Miami, along with cornerback Champ Bailey, who has not played a preseason game because of a hamstring injury.
“I hope so. I can’t say for sure, but he’s had two good days of practice,” Shanahan said about Brown’s playing status. “If there’s not a setback, I’ll play him.”
Footnote
Cornerback Jeff Shoate, a fifth-round pick in 2004, was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
