The Broncos finalized their practice squad Monday by signing second-year safety Roderick Rogers, who had been waived Sunday.
Rogers was replaced on the 53-man roster by Calvin Lowry, a fourth-round draft pick in 2006 who was waived by Tennessee on Saturday.
Other members of the eight- man practice squad are third- string quarterback Darrell Hackney, wide receiver Travis Wilson, running back P.J. Pope, safety Josh Barrett, guard Mitch Erickson, defensive tackle Steven Harris and defensive end Ryan McBean.
“Guys on the practice squad have to be ready to go,” coach Mike Shanahan said. “They’re just a day away from being on the active roster, so they have a lot of catching up to do whatever position. We’ll see how it works out.”
Lowry, wearing No. 37 (vacated when Cecil Sapp was placed on injured reserve), practiced with his new team for the first time Monday.
“I feel grateful,” Lowry said. “It’s a fresh start. There are no preconceived notions about me. The coaches know what I can do, but most of the players don’t know.”
Larsen on offense.
Rookie Spencer Larsen proved that versatility matters. After spending almost all of training camp and the preseason at linebacker, Larsen will open the season as a fullback. He practiced with the offense Monday.
“He can do both, and that’s one of the reasons he’s with us,” Shanahan said.
Rookie Peyton Hillis is the only true fullback on the roster. Michael Pittman played running back and fullback during the preseason. Larsen said he didn’t think the position switch will be permanent.
“I don’t feel that. It’s just with need right now,” Larsen said. “Through the progress of the season, it changes, with injuries, you never know. I’m just thankful for the opportunity that I can do both.”
Linebacker update.
The Broncos kept eight linebackers on their 53-man roster, and injuries might force them to use that depth. Strongside linebacker Boss Bailey, who missed most of the preseason after suffering a high ankle sprain early in the first quarter in the opener against Houston, was limited in practice Monday and didn’t wear pads.
Bailey hopes to be healthy enough to start the season next Monday night at Oakland, but he said the ankle isn’t feeling well enough to play on yet. “I wouldn’t be out there if the season started today,” he said.
Reserve linebacker Louis Green did not practice Monday to rest a hamstring injury suffered Friday against Arizona.
“I’m going to see how the week goes, get my treatment every day, and hopefully by Wednesday I’ll be able to get back on the field,” Green said.
Special duty.
Wideout Darrell Jackson and cornerback Dre Bly might see time on special teams returning kicks.
“They have done it and are quality guys at it,” said special-teams coordinator Scott O’Brien. “We’re in good shape.”
Footnotes.
Wideout Keary Colbert has changed his uniform number to 85 from 13. Injured rookie tailback Anthony Alridge switched to 25 from 38. . . . Defensive ends Elvis Dumervil (finger) and Ebenezer Ek- uban (back) and safety Marquand Manuel (thumb) returned to practice.
