For the past several days, the Broncos’ brass had a feeling Courtney Brown would need surgery. Wednesday, the worries became reality.
However, the team was relieved that the best-case scenario developed as Brown had arthroscopic surgery to alleviate inflammation in his surgically repaired knees.
The veteran defensive end will not play in the preseason, but coach Mike Shanahan expects him to be ready for the Sept. 10 opener at St. Louis.
“It went great,” Shanahan said of Brown’s surgery. “It was just a cleanup. The doctors liked the way it went.”
Brown’s inflammation continued since he first was held out of practice Aug. 1. Because of his history of knee issues, the team felt it was best for Brown to get the surgery now so he can heal for the season.
Brown said Tuesday he would like to play in the preseason, but the real target is the Rams. Last season, Brown’s first with the Broncos, he missed the preseason because of a dislocated elbow.
Half of Denver’s defensive front will miss the preseason, with tackle Gerard Warren dislocating his left big toe Saturday in practice. Still, with several young linemen, the Broncos will use the preseason to give playing time to rookie Elvis Dumervil and converted linebacker Patrick Chukwurah.
Injury updates
Veteran fullback Cecil Sapp (sore hamstring) returned to practice Wednesday, and Shanahan said Sapp may play Friday night at Detroit.
Fourth-round pick Domen- ik Hixon (fractured foot) is coming along, but it is not known if the wide receiver will be ready for the season. He could be placed on injured reserve and miss the season.
“Who knows what’s going to happen?” Hixon said. “But I keep trying to get better.”
Meanwhile, offensive lineman P.J. Alexander (inflamed knee) expects to practice next week. He had surgery after tearing an ACL riding a four-wheeler in May 2005.
Ernster getting leg up
Shanahan said Paul Ernster will do most of the punting in the first three preseason games. He is competing with Micah Knorr to punt in the first four regular-season games while Todd Sauerbrun serves an NFL suspension.
Shanahan said Ernster will get the extra punting time because the Broncos know what Knorr can do and because he is a veteran.
Cowboys need receiver
Dallas could enter the mix for Broncos wide receiver Ashley Lelie, a holdout. Cowboys coach Bill Parcells told reporters Wednesday his team is interested in acquiring a receiver. Lelie is one of the top wideouts available.
Chicago and Philadelphia have shown recent interest in Lelie, who has amassed $196,000 in fines for missing training camp.
Footnotes
Veteran kicker Jason Elam didn’t practice Wednesday as part of his routine. Elam usually takes the day off two days before a game. Knorr handled field-goal kicking in practice. … Defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban worked through an ankle issue in the morning session. … Wide receiver Charlie Adams was getting more repetitions Wednesday, and third-string running back Ron Dayne worked some with the second unit. … One of the Broncos’ practices, with Shanahan wired for sound, will be featured Monday night on the NFL Network.
Staff writer Mike Klis contributed to this report.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
