ENGLEWOOD, Colo.—Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil is working on some new pass rush moves out of necessity.
With pins in his dislocated right pinkie, he can’t use the hand as much as he would like, forcing him to study more film to uncover tendencies in offensive linemen that he can exploit.
“I’ve got to adapt to the situation,” said Dumervil, who had a team-leading 12 1/2 sacks last season. “For the most part, I’m coming along though.”
Dumervil has practiced all week, but whether he’ll play Monday night in Oakland remains uncertain. He said his fear is reinjuring his finger and being out indefinitely.
“I’ve been practicing and feeling good,” he said.
So has linebacker Boss Bailey, who has missed time since spraining his ankle in the preseason opener at Houston. He thinks he’ll be ready after practicing without any setbacks the last two days.
“Everything’s good,” Bailey said. “When I did it, I thought it was worse than it (turned) out to be. It still took some time to heal, but I’m excited to be back.”
In Bailey’s absence, Jamie Winborn slid into the strong side slot, finishing third on the team with 13 tackles in the preseason.
“He filled in real well,” Bailey said. “That’s going to be good for us, for our depth. We’ve got plenty of depth across the board.”
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SAPP RELEASED@: The Broncos released fullback Cecil Sapp and tight end Brett Pierce on Thursday after reaching injury settlements with both players.
Sapp was the team’s starting fullback before being placed on the injured reserve with a hip flexor injury. The former Colorado State standout played in 49 games with the Broncos, rushing the ball 49 times for 223 yards and two touchdowns.
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TIGHT COMPETITION@: Tony Scheffler didn’t even know he’d moved ahead of Nate Jackson at tight end on the depth chart.
Not that he’s reading too much into it. Scheffler and Jackson have been splitting time behind Daniel Graham all preseason.
“We’re both going to contribute,” Scheffler said. “You have to be ready at all times. When you’re not ready, that’s when bad things start to happen.”
Scheffler figures the tight ends will see plenty of action on Monday night with Brandon Marshall sitting out due to his one-game suspension.
“Everybody’s got to step up their game,” Scheffler said.
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FIRST DOWNS@: LB Louis Green (hamstring) didn’t practice Thursday. … The Broncos are 4-0 against the Raiders in season openers. … Three college free agents—punter Brett Kern, tackle Tyler Polumbus and linebacker Wesley Woodyard—made Denver’s 53-man team, the most to make the active roster under coach Mike Shanahan. … Denver opens the season on the road for a club record fourth straight year.
