Granted, we in the media don’t always know what we’re seeing when we watch practice. But it’s becoming awfully difficult to watch David Kircus and not see a guy who’s going to make the Broncos’ roster.
The team opened camp with two wide receivers — Rod Smith and Brandon Marshall — on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list, providing an opportunity for lesser-light players to step up and show their stuff. So who has caught everything thrown his way in the early going?
Kircus.
No surprise there. The Broncos’ opinion of his talent was evident several weeks ago when Mike Shanahan didn’t cut him on the spot after Kircus allegedly assaulted a man with his fists. These are politically-correct times in the NFL, what with commissioner Roger Goodell on a crusade to rid the league of its problem children.
But instead of showing Kircus the door, Shanahan stuck with him.
Kircus may yet be suspended or waived, depending on how his legal issues play out. But his performance on the field makes him a solid contender for a roster spot.
A year ago, Kircus was the camp novelty item, having put in time behind a Subway sandwich-shop counter to make ends meet between workouts. This year, he’s an established veteran who has proven he can make big plays — witness his 20.8-yard average for nine catches in 2006.
He may come up short, what with Brandon Stokley practicing and Smith and Marshall hoping to in the next few weeks. But Kircus has shown he can play in the NFL — in Denver or somewhere else.
Jim Armstrong issues regular reports from training camp throughout the day along with video takes from the sidelines and snippets where fans get to do the talking. Visit .
