Marco Coleman has been in the NFL for 14 seasons. He has an understanding of the business. That’s why being inactive more often than not this season hasn’t bothered him. He simply finds other ways to help.
Coleman, 35, was a starter much of last season, but has been inactive six of nine games this season. He was active Oct. 30 against Philadelphia because the team’s game plan called for an extra defensive lineman.
Coleman keeps busy by assisting coaches on game day and even doing scouting work during the week, he said.
“I’ve been in this league for a long time and if the coaches want to use other guys, I understand and support it and will help in other ways,” Coleman said. “I’m enjoying this season and really like seeing the guys do well. When it’s my turn, I’m ready. Otherwise, I’m here to help in any other way I can.”
Could this turn of events lead to retirement at the end of the season?
“I’ve been trying to retire for the past three years,” he said with a chuckle. “We’ll see how I feel after the season.”
Duke promoted
The remarkable story of Wesley Duke took a positive turn Tuesday when the rookie tight end was brought back to the 53-man roster. Safety Marques Anderson was released to make room for Duke, who was promoted from the practice squad.
Duke was a college basketball player at Mercer (Ga.) and didn’t play college football. He made the 53-man roster in September, but was cut and put on the practice squad last month.
Duke, 6-feet-5, 225 pounds, improved in practice in recent weeks, and there had been some interest from other teams.
Broncos tight ends coach Tim Brewster is tutoring Duke. Brewster is credited with turning Antonio Gates from a college basketball player into a Pro Bowl tight end with San Diego. The Broncos, once again, have five tight ends on their roster. Duke joins Stephen Alexander, Jeb Putzier, Nate Jackson and long snapper Mike Leach, who also plays tight end.
Anderson, claimed off waivers from Oakland in August, played in six games, mostly on special teams. The play of Sam Brandon and Curome Cox and the promise of rookie safety Hamza Abdullah made Anderson expendable.
Footnotes
The Broncos’ offense is fourth in the AFC in scoring in the red zone. It has scored touchdowns on 19-of-32 trips (59.4 percent) inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. …
Cornerback Darrent Williams is a finalist for rookie of the week honors after his performance in the victory Sunday over the Raiders. Williams returned an interception 80 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter to seal Denver’s 31-17 victory. He also had a 52-yard punt return in the first quarter to set up Denver’s first touchdown. …
Arizona agreed to terms with defensive end Anton Palepoi, who was released by Denver in September. Former Broncos defensive tackle Dorsett Davis had a workout with Miami.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
