Less than 24 hours after their New England disaster, the Broncos were tinkering with their roster. The Broncos released defensive tackle Steven Harris and running back P.J. Pope from their practice squad.
In addition to needing to deal with the season-ending injuries to linebacker Boss Bailey and backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey, the team is discussing other moves, including what to do with the roster vacated by the in-house suspension of defensive tackle Josh Shaw.
The Broncos may also be adding some much-needed depth at the receiver position after the bye week. Brandon Stokley, out with a concussion for the New England game, is expected back for the Miami game. Tight end Tony Scheffler, though, may still be iffy with the strained groin that has sidelined him the past two games.
Reinforcements coming.
After fumbling away his only two carries Monday night, Andre Hall may find it difficult to attain redemption. Rookie running back Ryan Torain, out since training camp with a dislocated elbow, is expected to make his NFL debut after the bye week; and second- year back Selvin Young, sidelined the past two games with a strained groin, may also return for the next game, Nov. 2, against Miami.
That would put three running backs — Torain, Young and starter Michael Pittman — ahead of Hall, who to his credit didn’t shirk responsibility for his turnovers that killed the Broncos’ first two possessions.
“Never in my life have I felt so terrible,” Hall said. “I didn’t have the pressure points on the ball like I should have. I’m more embarrassed for my coaches than I am myself.
“I don’t know how much more they can stress the importance of not turning the ball over.”
The D.J. motor.
With cornerback Champ Bailey out for at least a month, D.J. Williams becomes the stalwart of a struggling Broncos defense. After being switched back to his natural weakside linebacker position this season, Williams has confirmed the move and his new five-year contract extension by leading the NFL through Week 7 with 69 tackles.
Williams had 16 tackles, including 10 solo stops, against New England.
Footnotes.
It was special- teams tryout this week at Dove Valley as the Broncos worked out several kickers (including Billy Cundiff and Garrett Hartley), punters (Josh Miller and Scott Player) and long snappers. . . . The Broncos are one of several teams interested in former Bears linebacker Rod Wilson, who is nearly healed from the broken arm he suffered during the preseason.
