There remains some weakness in the right forearm. Not unexpectantly, nerve damage is not totally repaired.
But whatever confidence Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall may have lost since he accidentally severed his forearm on Easter eve? That’s all back.
“I’m still going to catch 100 balls this year,” Marshall said following the conclusion of the Broncos’ offseason minicamps Thursday.
A horseplay tussle with his brother resulted in Marshall putting his right forearm through a home entertainment center on March 22nd while on a family vacation in Orlando. Emergency surgery was required to repair a severed artery, vein, nerve, tendons and muscles. It was a scary enough injury for anybody, much less an NFL receiver who in is his second year had 102 receptions for 1,325 yards and seven touchdowns.
His forearm has gradually improved to the point the team will allow him to start catching passes without limitations on June 22nd, or three months from his accident. He admits there was concern as to whether he would be able to catch a Jay Cutler fastball again.
“Initially I was, not knowing how I was going to be able to bounce back from it but every day it starts to get stronger and stronger,” Marshall said. “It’s amazing to be where I’m at now.”
Although there are more experienced players on the Broncos’ roster, Marshall pointed out an alarming tidbit: He has the most team seniority among receivers, even though he is entering his third season.
During the team’s minicamps, Marshall mostly watched from the sidelines, although he made the occasional one-handed catch. A few times he used his right hand as a guide while catching.
“I was able to get a jump start on Oakland, their corners: No. 21 and Dante Hall,” Marshall said, meaning Nnamdi Asomugha and DeAngelo Hall. “No. 21 has a name I can’t pronounce. I have all their plays broken down and I’m studying them and getting mental reps is always a plus.”
Although the team is off from the time practice ended Thursday until June 23rd, Marshall said he would stay around to further rehabilitate his injury and work in the community.
Mike Klis: 303-954-1055 or mklis@denverpost.com.
