Champ Bailey knows plenty of issues have contributed to the Broncos’ three- game losing streak.
But lack of leadership is not one of them, he said.
“Leadership? That’s the least of our problems,” Bailey said. “That’s just people making an excuse. We have enough leadership.”
The Broncos released middle linebacker and defensive captain Al Wilson in April and are playing without injured receiver Rod Smith. Wilson and Smith were regarded as two of the team’s best leaders in years past, but Bailey insists the team has made up for the loss. A team captain, Bailey said he has found himself being more vocal this season.
“We have some young guys here, and I just find myself talking to them, and being encouraging to them, letting them know that they are doing fine and that I was in their situation when I was young. That’s what leadership is.”
Henry returns. Running back Travis Henry returned to practice Wednesday after spending Monday and Tuesday huddling with his attorneys in New York. Henry is suing the NFL over the results of a positive drug test that could result in a year’s suspension. The case is expected to last up to five weeks.
Nalen update. Coach Mike Shanahan said center Tom Nalen’s surgery Tuesday went well. Nalen is expected to fully recover by February. Nalen, 36, has one year left on his contract, and the team expects him to return. Shanahan said it is his policy not to replace injured captains. Nalen is an offensive captain along with quarterback Jay Cutler and Smith.
53-man roster is filled. The Broncos signed offensive linemen P.J. Alexander and Isaac Snell. This will be Alexander’s second stint with the team. He was cut this summer by the Atlanta Falcons. He was with Denver from 2003-06.
Alexander replaces Nalen on the roster. Nalen is out for the season with a torn biceps. Alexander can play all three line positions and will be a backup at guard and center.
The Broncos added Snell to their 53-man roster, filling the spot held by tight end Nate Jackson, who suffered a torn groin Sunday. Snell was signed off Tennessee’s practice squad.
Denver looked at four more linebackers, including veteran Orlando Huff. The others were Jordan Beck, Colby Bockwoldt and Roy Johnson. They had five linebackers in Tuesday.
Injury update: Shanahan reiterated that Bailey (quad) and receiver Javon Walker (knee) should be ready to play against Pittsburgh in the next game, on Oct. 21. Backup safety Hamza Abdullah (hip) said he could return against the Steelers. He has been out three weeks. Backup fullback Mike Bell said he is fully received from a concussion.
Footnotes. The Broncos’ next practice is Monday. … Cutler is scheduled to be honored Saturday at halftime of alma mater Vanderbilt’s game for his charitable contributions. … Backup linebacker Louis Green remained in Mississippi for the birth of his child.
