Don’t get hurt, Jay.
The Broncos announced several roster moves Monday, although none of them filled their position of backup quarterback. The official promotion of Darrell Hackney from the practice squad to the 53-man roster is expected later in the week, but for now, Jay Cutler is the Broncos’ only quarterback.
“I don’t know what’s going on, but it doesn’t matter because I know where I stand,” Hackney said. “Same place: Play your role until your time comes.”
The Broncos’ quarterback depth took a hit when backup Patrick Ramsey suffered a season-ending elbow injury during his brief appearance in a 41-7 loss at New England. Ramsey’s right arm was immobilized with a heavy brace Monday, and he will have further tests today.
Hackney played extensively during the preseason, completing 24- of-38 passes for 288 yards and a 95.1 passer rating, but he never has taken a regular-season snap since coming out of Alabama-Birmingham after the 2005 season.
Pittman sore.
Running back Michael Pittman missed most of practice Monday as he continues to be bothered by bruised ribs.
“Coach held me out for the right reasons, but I definitely feel like I’m going to play this weekend,” Pittman said. “I’ll leave it to my coaching staff and trainers, but if it was up to me, I’ll definitely suit up.”
The Broncos may need him for pass protection if nothing else. With running back Selvin Young also missing the majority of practice with his groin injury, the Broncos’ healthiest backs are rookie Ryan Torain, who has yet to play this season because of a dislocated elbow, and Andre Hall, who has been bothered by a wrist injury and fumbled on each of his two carries against New England.
Roster moves.
Besides adding former New England receiver Chad Jackson to their 53-man roster, the Broncos filled two other spots by signing offensive tackle Matt Murphy and cornerback Josh Bell.
Murphy is a seven-year veteran who has played for Buffalo, Houston and Detroit. Bell was promoted from the Broncos’ practice squad. The Broncos also filled two practice-squad openings by re-signing center Greg Eslinger, whom the team selected in the sixth round of the 2006 draft, and cornerback Rashod Moulton.
“It’s great to be back and see all these familiar faces and coaches,” said Eslinger, who was signed away from the Broncos’ practice squad by Cleveland last year. “I think this is the best organization out there, and I’m definitely happy to be part of that again.”
Shaw returns.
Although defensive tackle Josh Shaw remains on the Broncos’ suspended list, he returned to practice Monday. Shaw was disciplined after he was involved in a dispute with at least one coach and one player during a meeting.
“I’ve already apologized to my teammates,” Shaw said. “What happened was an in-house thing.”
Loving London.
Even after losing three of their past four games, the Broncos, remarkably, have a 1 1/2- game lead on the San Diego Chargers in the AFC West. Life got better for the Broncos during their bye week as they rested and watched the Chargers lose in London to New Orleans, 37-32.
“I saw the game,” Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. “You’re never rooting for people in the division, and you’re never rooting for people in the AFC.”
