In training camp, the Broncos’ new-look, three-receiver set of Rod Smith, Javon Walker and rookie Brandon Marshall was ready to be unleashed.
In the preseason, it never developed because of injuries.
The trio will be healthy when the Broncos open their season Sunday against the Rams in St. Louis, but Marshall isn’t taking anything for granted.
“As far as I know, I am going to be the No. 5 or No. 6 receiver,” said Marshall, who had a three- week layoff because of a knee injury. “I’m just a guy with one preseason catch. I haven’t done anything yet. I want to and hope to, but I have to start doing it.”
Marshall and fellow backups David Kircus, Todd Devoe and Charlie Adams are vying for playing time. Marshall, a fourth- round draft pick from Central Florida, shined when healthy in camp. He was injured in the preseason opener Aug. 11 at Detroit.
Smith and Walker, acquired from Green Bay during the offseason, played only briefly together in the preseason.
“I’d love to play with those guys and make plays,” Marshall said. “But really, I just want to get on the field and start making plays.”
Back in business
Veteran defensive end Courtney Brown practiced on a limited basis Monday. The Broncos hope Brown, who had minor knee surgery Aug. 9, will be a starter Sunday.
“We’ll see how the rest of the week goes,” Brown said.
Backup defensive end Patrick Chukwurah also was back at practice after aggravating an ankle injury Thursday at Arizona.
Passing on Rogers
The Broncos will continue to look at the league’s waiver list, as they do every year. But if they make any move, it likely will be on the practice squad or at the bottom of the 53-man roster.
There has been speculation the Broncos could be interested in wideout Charles Rogers, cut by Detroit. But the Broncos are happy with their receivers and Rogers, who may attract interest from Miami and Chicago, will be looking for a signing bonus.
Looking for work
Wide receiver Darius Watts is expected to work out for Chicago today. Watts, cut over the weekend by the Broncos, was a second-round draft pick in 2004.
The agent for Bradlee Van Pelt said he spoke Monday to several teams about the former Broncos quarterback and Colorado State star. Van Pelt is expected to get a workout with Seattle.
Footnotes
Coach Mike Shanahan said it was difficult cutting veteran offensive lineman Dwayne Carswell and added that Carswell could be re-signed if the Broncos’ line is hit with an injury. … Rookie center Greg Eslinger (shoulder, elbow) was put on injured reserve. … According to Forbes magazine, the Broncos rank sixth in the NFL with a franchise value of $975 million.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
