Javon Walker was the star of the show Monday morning in the Broncos’ longest, most intense practice of training camp. Will we get a chance to see the former Pro Bowl wide receiver do more of the same in Denver’s preseason opener Aug. 11?
That may be a stretch. The game is at Ford Field in Detroit against the Lions. It is the site of Walker’s most recent game – last Sept. 11, when he suffered a knee injury and missed the rest of the season with Green Bay. Asked Monday if he could see himself returning to game action on the field where he was injured, Walker winced.
“That would be a little shaky,” he said. “I don’t think so.”
Last week, coach Mike Shanahan said Walker would get playing time in the preseason as he prepares for the season opener Sept. 10 at St. Louis. Walker’s preseason action likely will come in home games against Tennessee on Aug. 19 and Houston on Aug. 27.
“I’m here to play in the regular season. That’s my focus and I’ll be ready,” Walker said. “If coach wants me to play in the preseason, I will. It’s all up to him.”
It’s clear Walker is on schedule to be ready for the regular season. He made several big plays Monday, including a spectacular touchdown catch.
“He’s healthy,” Shanahan said. “He’s shown that.”
Williams may miss a few days
Cornerback and punt returner Darrent Williams sprained his ankle in the morning session Monday and didn’t participate in the special teams practice in the afternoon. He may miss the next couple of days as a precaution.
“It’s just twisted a little bit,” Williams said. “If I had to play, I could. It hurts, but it’s nothing serious.”
Denver suffered several minor injuries Monday. Tight end Nate Jackson injured his ankle and wide receiver Brandon Marshall had a scare when he banged knees with a defender. Marshall returned and Jackson may be back today.
Running back Marty Johnson missed practice because of a sprained ankle and defensive end Kenard Lang was out with the stomach flu. Lang is expected back today.
“I’m too old,” Lang said. “I can’t eat like I used to.”
Safety Sam Brandon (hamstring) and wide receiver Todd Devoe (shoulder) remained out, and both could miss a few more days.
Rookie back no Clarett
No. 20 is making an impact in the Broncos’ mix at running back. But it’s a year later than expected.
Undrafted rookie Mike Bell has been one of the most impressive youngsters early in training camp. Bell, who grew up a Broncos fan while living in Denver, wears jersey No. 20 – just as third-round flameout Maurice Clarett did last year. Like Clarett, Bell is represented by agents Josh Luchs and Steve Feldman. That’s where the Clarett comparisons end.
Unlike Clarett, who ruined his pro chances by nursing a minor groin injury and not talking to his teammates, Bell has been eager for action and impressive on and off the field. He is making a strong push to make the team he grew up following.
Stoops stopping by
Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops and his staff were scheduled to arrive in Denver on Monday night to study film and spend today at practice, working with the Broncos’ staff. The UNLV coaching staff visited over the weekend.
Sad anniversary
Today is the fifth anniversary of the death of Minnesota offensive tackle Korey Stringer, who died of heatstroke after a practice. Broncos trainer Steve Antonopulos said he believes the NFL learned from the death, even though he said the awareness and quality of treatment for heat-related illnesses was high before Stringer’s death.
“The NFL has done a terrific job before and after the death,” he said. “Anytime there is a catastrophic event, the league reviews everything to learn from it and to try to prevent it. It was a very sad day, and we’ll remember it.”
Meadows arrives
Offensive tackle Adam Meadows arrived in Denver and was studying film Monday night before his first team meetings. Meadows, who hasn’t played in the NFL since 2003, will attempt to push starter George Foster.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
