In the first action in the postmortem of the Broncos’ two-game losing streak, they released kick and punt returner Domenik Hixon.
Tuesday’s move is another statement the team will not tolerate continued lackluster play from the special-teams unit. Along with red-zone offense and run defense, special teams have been the Broncos’ biggest issue in the first quarter of the season. Many of the Broncos’ problems on special teams have been on kick coverage, but the return game has not been strong, either. Coach Mike Shanahan and cornerback Champ Bailey were critical of the special teams, especially the coverage units, in recent days.
The Broncos could give running back Andre Hall, who was returning kicks with Hixon at Indianapolis, an expanded chance against visiting San Diego on Sunday. Wide receivers Brian Clark and Glenn Martinez also could get a chance. Clark, who was cut Saturday when the team promoted Martinez, was re-signed Tuesday. Cornerback Jeff Shoate is also a possibility as a kick returner.
If Hixon isn’t claimed by another team today, he could end up on the Broncos’ practice squad.
The Broncos were high on Hixon after a strong offseason workout program and a promising training camp. Hixon, a fourth-round draft pick in 2006, missed all of last season with a foot problem. He was the team’s No. 4 receiver on the depth chart but rarely played at receiver in the first four games. He had no catches.
Last week, special-teams coach Scott O’Brien defended his returner, saying that he was still learning and was close to breaking out. Monday, Shanahan acknowledged Hixon still had work to do.
Hixon was averaging 22.8 yards on 12 kick returns and 4.6 yards on seven punt returns. He lost a fumble at Denver’s 18-yard line to open the second half against Jacksonville in a 23-14 loss.
Lang suspended: The NFL announced that former Broncos defensive end Kenard Lang has been suspended by commissioner Roger Goodell for six games. There was no explanation of the suspensions. Lang is a free agent.
He was cut by the Broncos in August after playing one season in Denver. He was a starter all of last season for the Broncos.
Kircus trial date set: Former Broncos wide receiver David Kircus, charged with felony menacing, pleaded not guilty in Arapahoe County District Court. Kircus was involved in a scuffle at a late-night party May 20 in Centennial in which he is accused of punching a man in the face. His trial is scheduled for Jan. 28. Kircus, who played for the team in 2006, was cut in August.
Workouts: The Broncos worked out guards Fred Matua and Dan Stevenson, and tight ends Richard Angulo, Kendrick Ballantyne, Brett Pierce, Chad Upshaw and Stephen Spach. Matua was a standout on USC’s title team.
Staff writer Carlos Illescas contributed to this report.
Bill Williamson: 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com
