Tatum Bell knows the Broncos’ recent history when it comes to 1,000-yard rushers.
In his third NFL season, he wants to do his part. Bell needs 102 yards rushing Sunday at Arizona to reach the plateau. The Broncos have had 10 seasons with 1,000-yard rushers in coach Mike Shanahan’s previous 11 seasons, best in the NFL during that span. The only season Denver didn’t was 2001, when an injury-plagued Terrell Davis led the team with 701 yards.
“I need to go get it,” Bell said. “We always have 1,000-yard rushers, and it will mean a lot to me to get on that list.”
Even though he has been hampered by injuries this year, Bell has had a productive season, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. Last season, Bell had 921 yards rushing. He had 396 as a rookie.
CB Williams downgraded
Right cornerback Darrent Williams practiced more Thursday than he did Wednesday because of a toe injury, but is listed as questionable on the injury report. He’s also dealing with a shoulder injury.
“We’ll take it day by day,” Shanahan said.
Tight end Stephen Alexander (ribs) and right tackle Adam Meadows (hamstring) also were limited in practice. In Arizona, right tackle Reggie Wells was hospitalized with an undisclosed illness and was downgraded to questionable. Wells played Sunday with a 103-degree temperature.
Elam kicks
Kicker Jason Elam practiced for the first time since Dec. 3.
“I woke up today and felt better than I have since I was hurt,” Elam said. “I’m much better. … It didn’t feel great Sunday, but I got through it, and this week should be no problem.”
Elam suffered a hamstring injury on his plant leg on a fake field goal against Seattle.
Remembering Hunt
The Broncos feel the loss of Kansas City Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt. Hunt died Wednesday night after a lengthy illness. Owner Pat Bowlen called Hunt a “pioneer” in the game.
“Lamar Hunt was one of the finest owners in the history of professional football and one of America’s greatest sportsmen,” Bowlen said. “It has been my privilege to work with and compete against Lamar.
“It was an honor for me to have a close relationship with Lamar and with his family, and that came out of 23 years of working together and competing against each other. In my early years, Lamar had a significant influence on me as a new owner in the league.”
Shanahan called Hunt a “gentleman” and said he appreciated how Hunt would chat with him before games even as an assistant coach.
House that Ernster built
Punter Paul Ernster’s father, Tim, was the deputy city manager of Glendale, Ariz., and was instrumental in the planning of University of Phoenix Stadium, where the Broncos play Sunday.
“My dad was always at the (owners of the Cardinals) Bidwell’s house working on (the stadium),” Ernster said. “It’s pretty cool to be able to play in it.”
Ernster, who grew up just a few miles away from the Cardinals’ new home and went to college at Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, 145 miles north of Phoenix, will have his father and the rest of his family at the game.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
