New Broncos defensive end Simeon Rice was at Dove Valley today in full uniform, his first practice with the team since signing a one-year deal worth $3 million plus incentives.
The record-setting pass-rush specialist is unsure whether he’ll play in the team’s season-opener Sunday in Buffalo against the Bills. But the team expects him to be in the lineup on passing downs as soon as the home season opener Sept. 16 against Oakland.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers cut Rice in July to save money. Rice, recovering from an injured shoulder, passed the Broncos’ physical after passing a similar exam from the St. Louis Rams on Friday. He has said his shoulder is fine.
Rice, in his 12th NFL season, was the third over pick by Arizona in the 1996 draft from the University of Illinois.
His 121 career sacks rank 13th in NFL history and are the second-highest among active players. Rice has eight seasons with at least 10 sacks, which ties him for the the fifth-best mark in NFL history. He has 37 forced fumbles and eight fumble recoveries for his career.
