The Broncos have told agents they will not sign a backup quarterback with NFL experience and will instead formally promote Darrell Hackney from the practice squad to their 53-man roster Monday.
If the Broncos eventually need an experienced backup, they are more apt to consider Bruce Gradkowski or Craig Nall — who are well-traveled on the NFL tryout circuit, including a stop in Denver — than Daunte Culpepper, who just announced he is coming out of retirement.
The Broncos will fill one roster spot Monday with receiver Chad Jackson and possibly another with safety Chris Crocker.
Mike Klis, The Denver Post
Haslett’s contract nixed
ST. LOUIS — The NFL denied the Rams’ attempt to rework a contract with coach Jim Haslett that would ensure him a job beyond this season if he won six games because of a requirement that minority candidates be interviewed for head coaching vacancies.
Team president John Shaw said Saturday that the league office cited the Rooney Rule when informing the Rams earlier this week.
“We gave them the language with the incentive bonus, and they said the contract wouldn’t qualify,” Shaw said. “We were looking for a provision that would ensure him an extension if he won a certain amount of games.”
Language in Haslett’s contract refers to him as the head coach, not the interim coach. But Haslett’s agent said his client has no problem going through the interview process and wanted to make it clear there was no intent to sneak a deal past the NFL.
The Rams have won two straight games under Haslett after firing Scott Linehan as head coach after an 0-4 start.
Footnotes.
Titans defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch practiced Saturday and indicated the groin injury that has limited him feels better than at any point last week.
• The Buccaneers will make some eleventh-hour decisions today as the status of several players, including receiver Joey Galloway (foot), receiver Ike Hilliard (concussion) and running back Warrick Dunn (back), remains in doubt.
• The Browns have agreed to rescind Kellen Winslow’s one-game suspension, but the Pro Bowl tight end still will miss Cleveland’s game today against the Jaguars.
• Panthers reserve defensive tackle Darwin Walker was involved in a minor car accident and was listed as questionable for today’s game against the Cardinals.
Denver Post staff & wire services
