In the interest of protecting their investment, and keeping their new run-stopping force fresh, the Broncos are shutting down Dewayne Robertson for the rest of this passing camp.
It’s all part of a judicious plan the Broncos set up for the defensive tackle, who was essentially bought last month from the New York Jets.
“He probably could practice but we’re a little bit cautious with him,” said Broncos coach Mike Shanahan. “We know he’ll be able to go in the June camp. So we want to get him stronger in a couple different areas.”
Robertson underwent wrist surgery earlier this year and has played his entire five-year NFL career with a chronic knee problem. After consummating the trade by paying Robertson a reduced rate of $4 million in bonuses and salary this season, the Broncos opted for a less-is-more plan.
Robertson, 26, will likely be among the veterans on the one-a-day schedule during training camp. And it’s virtually guaranteed he will play less than 65 percent of the snaps in games. Staying below that threshold means the Broncos won’t have to give the Jets a 2009 draft pick.
The Broncos also decided not to rush Robertson to the field. After he participated in the team’s first two offseason practices, he watched the last two from the sidelines. He will also spend next week observing and working with head trainer Steve “Greek” Antonopoulos.
