It’s always a concern when an older player suffers multiple concussions, but Monday the Broncos were optimistic about the prognosis of receiver Rod Smith.
Team doctors gave Smith, 36, a positive evaluation, coach Mike Shanahan said. Smith, who was to undergo a CT scan as a precaution, likely will be listed as probable this week heading into Sunday night’s game at New England, Shanahan said.
Smith also had a concussion last September against the Kansas City Chiefs. He left in the fourth quarter Sunday and did not return. Smith said after the game he felt fine.
“The doctors looked at Rod Smith today and they felt like he is pretty good,” Shanahan said Monday. “If the doctors feel there is any chance of further injury, then obviously we would sideline him as a precaution. Right now we are going to listen to the doctors, and if they feel like he is in good shape, then he is in good shape. If not, then he isn’t going to play.”
Brown out again
Shanahan said defensive end Courtney Brown is not expected to play against the Patriots. Shanahan said he hopes Brown will be able to play after the bye week, against the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 9. Brown has missed the first two games and the preseason after having knee surgery Aug. 9.
Backup running back Cedric Cobbs has a sprained ankle that may keep him out against the Patriots, but Cobbs said Monday he was optimistic.
Morgan more than returner
Quincy Morgan is coming to Denver with a reputation for his kick returning skills, but he wants to make one thing clear.
“I’m a receiver,” Morgan said. “I’ve been noticed for being a kick returner, but it’s my receiving skills that got me in the league. I look forward to being part of the Broncos as both a receiver and a returner. I just don’t want to be a returner. I think I can help as a receiver.”
Denver signed Morgan on Monday and cut receiver Charlie Adams to make room for the former second-round pick from Kansas State. Morgan was the No. 4 receiver in Pittsburgh last season. In Denver, he will get a chance to develop, and perhaps play in the offense later in the season.
In the meantime, Morgan will get a chance to ignite Denver’s kick return game. He averaged 25.6 yards a return for the Steelers last year. Denver has used Mike Bell, David Kircus and Cobbs on kick returns this season and the group has averaged 13.3 yards per return.
Shanahan said he didn’t know whether Morgan would be active Sunday at New England, but if Morgan practices well, he could play.
Adams, formerly the No. 6 receiver, was released after being on the inactive list the first two games. He was a surprise addition to the 53-man roster after being traded during the preseason to Dallas. He was sent back to Denver because he failed his physical with the Cowboys. Houston, coached by former Broncos offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak, could pursue Adams. Shanahan also said Adams could be brought back to the Broncos in the future.
Footnotes
Although nonroster defensive tackle Amon Gordon will be out four to six weeks with a knee injury, the Broncos don’t expect to make any changes to the practice squad….Shanahan praised quarterback Jake Plummer’s performance in the shotgun offense in overtime Sunday. Plummer completed both shotgun passes in overtime.
EYE ON … The Patriots
Denver at New England, 6:15 p.m., Sunday, KUSA-9
For the record: The Patriots are 2-0, first in the AFC East.
Last game: Survived 17 unanswered points by New York to beat the Jets 24-17 on the road Sunday.
Streaking: Since 2001, the first of New England’s three Super Bowl title seasons, the Broncos are one of six teams to play the Patriots at least four times. Denver is 4-1 in that span, the only team in that group to have a winning record against New England.
Who’s hot: New England’s running game. Corey Dillon rushed for 80 yards and rookie Laurence Maroney added 65 against the Jets. New England is averaging 165 yards rushing in two games.
Who’s not: The Patriots’ receivers. Without Deion Branch, traded to Seattle last week, Tom Brady doesn’t have a lot of weapons. Wide receivers caught just eight passes against the Jets.
Key stat: New England is fifth in the NFL in red-zone offense. The Patriots have scored five touchdowns in eight trips inside the opponents’ 20-yard line. Denver’s defense has not allowed a touchdown all season. Opponents are 0-for-7 in the red zone against the Broncos.
FYI: The Patriots are trying to catch up with the Broncos. Since 1995, including the postseason, Denver leads the NFL with 123 victories. The Patriots are tied for second with Green Bay with 122.
Injury update: Dillon left the field with a possible shoulder injury Sunday. The team did not say whether it was serious.
Coachspeak: “You can always do a better job, starting with me and working all the way down to everyone who participated in the game. That’s the way we will look at it, and that’s the way we will approach this week. We have a big week with Denver, so we know we have a tough week coming up.” – Patriots coach Bill Belichick
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
