Broncos coach Mike Shanahan made it clear the new kicker in town is no threat to Jason Elam. And why would he be? Elam is enjoying another strong season.
Denver filled its 53rd roster spot with kicker Matt Prater for developmental reasons and because he is strong kicking off. Prater could get a chance to kick off in the final two games along with newly signed punter Paul Ernster, who also is expected to be Elam’s holder on field goals.
Elam, who is finishing his 15th NFL season, has made 24-of-28 field goals. He made 27-0f-29 last season. Elam, 37, is the Broncos’ key unrestricted free agent in the offseason and the two sides likely will begin discussions early in 2008.
“I think what he has done on the field speaks for itself,” Shanahan said of Elam. “It’s nice to have a guy you can count on and someone you can consider a team leader.”
Elam has made it clear he wants to remain in Denver and believes a contract could be worked out. Still, he never takes anything for granted.
“I feel like I’ve got a great relationship with Mr. (Pat) Bowlen and Mike and everybody. It’s been fun,” Elam said. “If it did end, that’s fine. If it continues, that’s fine, too. I’d love to finish up as a Denver Bronco. I can’t imagine putting on another uniform. But that’s the nature of the NFL.”
Injury update.
Tight end Daniel Graham (ankle) and linebacker Ian Gold (knee) didn’t practice and both could miss the final two games. Receiver Brandon Stokley (knee), who missed the Houston game, practiced on a limited basis Wednesday. He said the fact Denver is out of the playoff mix won’t have a bearing on his playing status.
“Absolutely not,” Stokley said. “We want to finish strong and I want to be out there.”
Shanahan thinks Lynch will return.
Like every year, safety John Lynch will reevaluate his career in the offseason. The 15-year veteran has one season remaining on his contract. He has previously said he’d like to to play through it. Shanahan believes Lynch, 36, will return.
“I’m sure like most players after their 15th year, they come back and see if they are wanted back and see if they can help themselves to be the best player they can be,” Shanahan said.
Footnotes.
The Broncos have raised money as a team for the foundation of the infant daughter of slain Redskins safety Sean Taylor. A New York judge heard cases by attorneys for both Travis Henry and the NFL on Wednesday. Both sides are trying to get the other to pay for legal expenses in Henry’s now dropped lawsuit, in which he sued the league over his drug case. San Diego coach Norv Turner said much of his starters will play against the Broncos, including running back LaDainian Tomlinson. The Chargers have clinched the AFC West but are battling for the No. 3 seed in the AFC. Turner also said star linebacker Shawne Merriman (knee) could play after missing last week’s game. Denver claimed tackle Adrian Jones off waivers from the Jets on Wednesday. But Kansas City also claimed him. Because they have a worse record, the Chiefs were awarded Jones. Former Denver center Greg Eslinger has been signed by Houston’s practice squad.
Bill Williamson
