Brandon Stokley stretched the field Sunday, breezing past one Oakland Raiders defender after another on his way to a 58-yard reception.
Not bad for a guy perceived as a possession receiver. Not bad for a guy who hasn’t started regularly in about half a decade. Not bad for a guy who earlier this year had serious doubts he’d be able to play again.
“I hate the fact that we’re 5-7, but I am having so much fun playing,” Stokley said this week. “When something is taken away from you and you don’t know if you’ll get it back, it is a scary thing. I didn’t know if I’d get this back. To have it again, you really appreciate it.”
The Broncos appreciate Stokley, for whom they didn’t have great expectations when they signed him as a free agent in March. Stokley was signed to a low-risk deal. If he could be the reliable No. 3 receiver he was with Baltimore and Indianapolis, Denver would be happy.
Stokley’s career was in jeopardy last December when he ruptured his Achilles tendon. He had surgery and physicians were hoping for a full recovery, but Stokley was realistic. His body was breaking down last year, and he didn’t feel he played particularly well during the short time he was healthy.
He was turning 31 in June, and he knew after Indianapolis released him he’d be far from attractive on the open market. Looking for a veteran hand because Rod Smith was out with a hip injury, the Broncos took a chance.
“It couldn’t have worked out better,” Broncos general manager Ted Sundquist said. “Brandon has been a big part of our team.”
Stokley, who sat out his second consecutive practice Thursday with a knee strain, has been one of the Broncos’ most valuable players, with 39 receptions for 614 yards and four touchdowns. Stokley, who spent his first four seasons with the Ravens, enjoyed his best season in 2004 as the Colts’ No. 3 receiver when he caught 68 passes for 1,077 yards and 10 touchdowns.
This is his second-best season since joining the league in 1999 as a fourth-round pick from Southwestern Louisiana.
“I was just hoping to get healthy and play some,” Stokley said. “To come back from this injury and play this much has been special.”
Stokley’s role with the Broncos increased in Week 4 when he took over for Javon Walker in the starting lineup. Walker missed seven games with a knee injury that required surgery. He has played the past two weeks, but still is feeling the effects of the injury and Stokley has kept his starting spot. With Smith out, the veteran presence of Stokley has helped second-year quarterback Jay Cutler.
“I’d hate to think where we’d be without Stokley,” cornerback Champ Bailey said. “He has helped us a lot more than I thought he would. I thought he was a veteran who’d be the No. 3, but he has come in and made big plays for us.”
Much to Bailey’s surprise, Stokley has been a downfield threat. He made a 33-yard catch against Oakland to go with the 58-yarder.
“That guy is deceptively fast,” Bailey said.
One person not surprised by Stokley’s revival is his former quarterback and close friend Peyton Manning. With Colts receiver Marvin Harrison injured, Manning said he wishes the Colts would have held onto Stokley.
“I was obviously disappointed he was not brought back here,” Manning said at the Colts’ facility this week. “I felt he would get healthy. He has that kind of attitude and grit, especially when the odds are against him. He beats the odds. I’m happy for him, but you kind of wish he was still playing for us.”
Stokley and the Broncos have had preliminary talks about an extension, but further talks have been tabled until the offseason.
“This is the team that took a chance on me,” Stokley said. “It has worked out well. But I don’t like thinking about tomorrow. You don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow. I’m enjoying today.”
Bill Williamson: 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com
Stokley on fast track
Fast facts on Broncos wide receiver Brandon Stokley, on his way to his best season since 2004:
Stats: 5-feet-11, 197 pounds, 31 years old.
College: Southwestern Louisiana, acquired as a free agent in 2007.
On the rise: When Javon Walker suffered a knee injury that caused him to miss seven weeks, Stokley went from No. 3 receiver to the starting lineup and has been a standout.
In the fast lane: Known as a possession receiver, Stokley has speed. He is a big-time downfield threat.
A bling thing: Stokley won Super Bowl rings with Baltimore (2000) and Indianapolis (2006).
2007 stats: 39 catches, 614 yards, four touchdowns.
