Agent Peter Schaffer picked up his phone Wednesday afternoon, and was soon on the receiving end of a question about one of his clients, Broncos wide receiver Ashley Lelie.
Asked if Lelie might be at the Broncos’ mandatory mini-camp that starts today, Schaffer said, “No updates. We have nothing to say.”
And there you have it. Drawing from inference and recent history, it appears Lelie will not take part in the opening session of the three-day mini-camp at Dove Valley.
Unhappy over what he feels is a noncompetitive situation at the Broncos’ No. 1 receiver position this season, partly because of the team’s offseason acquisition of Javon Walker from the Green Bay Packers, Lelie is threatening to sit out the season unless he is traded.
Lelie, 26, missed the Broncos’ first 14 offseason optional workouts. If he does not show up today, he could be fined by the Broncos.
The Broncos entertained trade offers for Lelie during the April draft but could not find a suitable partner.
Last season, Lelie’s production slipped to 42 receptions, 770 yards and one touchdown – down from 54 catches, 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns in 2004. Even if Lelie were to enter Dove Valley a happy camper, he could have a tough fight just to be the team’s No. 3 receiver, behind Walker and Rod Smith.
The offseason re-emergence of Darius Watts, whom Broncos coach Mike Shana- han has praised, indicates Lelie might have a battle on his hands.
Other than Lelie, the Broncos indicated Wednesday they are expecting the full roster to attend today, with no players having asked for excused absences.
Walker, in the late stages of rehabilitating a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, is hoping to be ready for full-contact practices by the team’s July 28 start of training camp. Walker’s co-agent, Lamont Smith, said Wednesday he was unsure of Lelie’s condition.
Adrian Dater can be reached at 303-820-5454 or adater@denverpost.com.
