ENGLEWOOD, Colo.—Calvin Lowry practiced with the Denver Broncos’ first unit at free safety this week, but it remains to be seen whether that will translate into his first start Monday against New England.
Lowry, who was claimed off waivers on Sept. 1 from Tennessee, would not speculate about the possibility of starting at free safety, Marlon McCree’s spot.
“I don’t know,” Lowry said. “I’ll find out, 24 hours or 48 hours before the game. They will let me know.”
“He’ll get a chance to play some this week,” coach Mike Shanahan said after Friday’s practice. “He’s come in here and has done a great job.”
Although Lowry hasn’t started a game, he has seen some playing time with the defense, getting snaps against San Diego, New Orleans and Kansas City.
Lowry said he hasn’t had trouble learning the Broncos’ defense, adding that it’s a matter of “just learning the terminology.”
Lowry was brought to Denver for his versatility at both safety positions. Last year, he had six starts at free safety and six starts at strong safety, including a playoff game against San Diego.
Lowry also brought a reputation for being a vicious hitter.
“He can hit,” Shanahan said. “If you can’t hit, you wouldn’t be back there at that safety position.”
But Lowry was quick to differentiate his style from that of former Bronco John Lynch, who was also known for being a hard hitter.
“John was more of an in-the-box linebacker-style safety,” Lowry said. “He was true to the run game.”
“I try to be fifty-fifty in both aspects of the game, run and pass defense,” Lowry added.
Absent in Friday’s workouts was wide receiver Brandon Stokley, who wore a baseball cap instead of a helmet. Stockley suffered the 10th concussion of his career Sunday against Jacksonville.
