The Broncos had to endure seeing a player taken off on a stretcher for the third time in eight months Thursday when reserve cornerback Karl Paymah suffered a concussion.
In the second quarter, the third-year cornerback went in to make a tackle, and his helmet collided with the knee of Arizona running back Steve Baylark. Paymah, already on the ground, immediately froze and then fell back into the grass.
Safety Hamza Abdullah, who played with Paymah at Washington State, immediately and frantically waved for the Broncos’ training staff to come and assist Paymah. Abdullah said the collision sounded like a “car crash.” Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said Paymah was “out cold” initially.
The team said Paymah had a concussion and was taken to a local hospital, where he spent the night as a precaution. Initially tests were negative, Shanahan said.
When he was put on the stretcher and taken off a cart, Paymah gave a thumbs-up to the crowd. In December, former middle linebacker Al Wilson was taken off the field on a stretcher with a neck injury. He finished the season and was cut in April and isn’t playing because he has yet to be cleared.
Earlier in training camp, linebacker Warrick Holdman suffered a spinal-cord injury and was put on the injured reserve, ending his season.
“I forgot about football for about five minutes,” Abdullah said. “To see your best friend lying out there … is scary.”
Alexander secure
Backup tight end Stephen Alexander reworked his contract for this season. He took a pay cut, but incentives were added. The move all but ensures Alexander will make the roster. The team will probably keep at least four tight ends.
Alexander is valuable because he is both a fine receiver and blocker. He suffered a bruised lower left leg in the first quarter and did not return. The injury is not expected to be serious.
Hamilton update
Broncos starting left guard Ben Hamilton spent Thursday night in Pittsburgh, where he is seeing a concussion specialist and undergoing a battery of tests. The tests will run into today, his agent Peter Schaffer said.
Schaffer said the fact that Hamilton is still undergoing tests means little and he expects Hamilton to be ready to play soon.
“All of the tests are not complete, but the doctors are very optimistic about Ben,” Schaffer said. “When the tests are complete, I expect good news and a clear timetable on when Ben will be able to return.”
Hamilton suffered a concussion early in training camp and missed the entire preseason. Chris Myers was working with the first unit.
Website problems
A hacker got into the Broncos’ official website and printed some words in Arabic on Thursday afternoon.
The issue was quickly addressed, and the page was corrected. Similar hackings have occurred in the past on other Broncos’ related websites, team officials said.
Joe Ellis, Broncos executive vice president of business operations, said the incident is being investigated.
Comings and goings
Defensive tackles Marcus Thomas and Jimmy Kennedy played extensively. They’re currently backing up starters Sam Adams and Amon Gordon. Kenny Peterson, one of the few Denver defensive linemen who can play both tackle and end, will go on suspension starting Saturday for the first four weeks of the season for violating the NFL’s steroid policy. Defensive end John Browning also played, making his Denver debut. The former Chief was signed last week.
With Peterson’s suspension, the Broncos will need to trim 21 players by Saturday to get down to the 53-man roster. Shanahan told the team to expect cuts Saturday morning after the staff uses today as an evaluation day.
Footnotes
Receiver Javon Walker traded jerseys with Arizona receiver Anquan Bolden after the game. Both players went to Florida State. … The Cardinals’ starting offense played the first series. … Rookie offensive lineman Ryan Harris is expected to need about four more weeks to recover from back surgery he had two weeks ago.
Staff writer Mike Klis contributed this report.
Staff writer Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
Five goals
A look at five of the Broncos’ goals in Thursday night’s home game against Arizona in the preseason finale.
1. The defensive line: The unit did well. Rookies Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder played extensively, as did tackle Jimmy Kennedy. They all will be in the rotation.
2. The young receivers: Domenik Hixon and Brian Clark showed the Broncos have few depth issues at receiver.
3. Selvin Young: The rookie played well, and he will be a major focal point in organizational meetings today and Saturday. He probably won himself a roster spot.
4. The backup quarterbacks: With Jay Cutler and Patrick Ramsey not playing, Darrell Hackney played the first three quarters and Preston Parsons the fourth. Hackney is probably headed to the practice squad, and Parsons might be out of the picture.
5. Win: The preseason, of course, means nothing. But with the regular-season opener at Buffalo looming in nine days, it’s always nice to go into the season with the taste of victory rather than defeat.
– Bill Williamson
