ENGLEWOOD, Colo.—Broncos defensive end Jarvis Moss invited family and friends to watch him play last Sunday against San Diego.
Instead, he was inactive for a second straight contest.
“It’s tough,” Moss said Wednesday. “It is kind of personal. I want to go out and prove to everybody that I should be playing every single weekend.”
He’ll presumably get his opportunity Sunday against New Orleans—or so Broncos coach Mike Shanahan has informed him.
Moss said it’s been difficult watching from the sideline the last two weeks. But he’s hoping to chase Drew Brees around the field in passing situations come Sunday.
“It’s an opportunity and I’m looking forward to it,” Moss said. “I plan on having a big game.”
Moss was drafted with the 17th overall pick in 2007 to help bolster the Broncos’ lackluster pass rush.
But the 6-foot-6, 265-pound Moss missed a good portion of his rookie season after fracturing his right fibula in practice. He had one sack in six games.
This season, Moss said he’s not quite sure why he’s not playing, only that he hopes to prove his worth against the Saints.
“I’m going to get myself ready for this weekend, practice like I ain’t never practiced, and watch more film than I’ve ever watched,” Moss said. “There’s not much you can do about it other than just keep working and keep going.”
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CATCHING ON: The Broncos brought back receiver Clifford Russell on Wednesday, a day after trading Keary Colbert to Seattle for a conditional draft pick.
Russell was with Denver throughout training camp before being waived in late August.
He was back home in Virginia when he received a call from his agent saying the Broncos were interested.
“I was like, ‘OK, let’s go,'” said Russell, who had 10 catches for 86 yards for Denver in the preseason. “I packed my bags and I’m glad everything went through.”
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TOUGH YARDS: Michael Pittman is enjoying his role of crashing through the line as the Broncos’ short-yardage specialist.
He’s become quite proficient at it, scoring three times this season, including twice against Oakland in the season opener.
“I’m just happy to be a part of this offense,” Pittman said. “I’ll do whatever they ask me to do.”
The same goes for fellow running backs Andre Hall and Selvin Young. They’re comfortable with whatever is asked of them as they share time in the backfield.
There’s no animosity between the tailbacks.
“We stick together,” Hall said. “When Michael scores, I’m the first to congratulate him. When Selvin scores, I’m the first to congratulate him. I know what they put in all week to get that touchdown.”
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FIRST DOWNS: WR Darrell Jackson (calf) and DT Josh Shaw (lower leg) didn’t practice Wednesday while LB Louis Green (hamstring) and C Tom Nalen practiced on a limited basis. … The Saints are making their first visit to Invesco Field at Mile High since appearing in the inaugural game at the stadium during a preseason game in 2001. … Denver has the best home record (80-52) in the league since 1995. … The Broncos are looking for their first 3-0 start in five years. … Denver is 6-2 lifetime against New Orleans, including 3-1 at home.
