It wasn’t exactly a sound that can be re-created in print, but the audible sigh and the way Eddie Royal shook his head were enough to convey how he feels about his recent performance on special teams.
Disappointed.
The Broncos drafted Royal in large part because of his skills as a return specialist, though those skills have been overshadowed by his prowess at receiver. Royal leads all NFL rookies with 75 catches and 847 yards.
But that doesn’t mean Royal’s not itching to make a bigger impact in the return game.
Royal has returned only three punts in the past six games for a total of 0 yards. He lost 3 yards on the only punt he fielded last week against Carolina.
Royal replaced Andre Hall as the team’s primary kickoff returner against Miami on Nov. 2, and after having strong performances against the Dolphins (164 yards) and Atlanta two weeks later (159) yards, Royal has been held to 74, 40, 32, and 48 in the past four games
“You can’t get frustrated with it,” Royal said. “I want to make plays in the return game, but I haven’t done that the last few weeks. But next week is a new week, and maybe I’ll get the right angle to make a play.”
Royal, whose longest return of the season was 95 yards against Miami, is No. 18 overall in kickoff return average with 26.1 yards per return but is No. 9 among players with at least 15 returns.
Royal has not scored a touchdown on a kickoff or a punt return.
Barrett vows to learn from mistake.
Rookie safety Josh Barrett, a day removed from his first career start and first career interception against Carolina, winced Monday when he recalled his biggest mistake from the Broncos’ 30-10 loss.
It came on Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams’ 56-yard touchdown run, when Barrett charged up to make a tackle but missed.
“I was way too fast, almost out of control, coming up,” Barrett said, adding, “I’m definitely not going to make that mistake again.”
Veteran defensive tackle Kenny Peterson, though, praised Barrett’s play.
“You don’t want those guys to be out there tentative to make a play,” Peterson said. “You’re going to make a mistake, make it full go. Don’t sit here and let your thinking hinder your play.”
Roster moves.
The Broncos on Tuesday re-signed safety Herana-Daze Jones to the 53-man roster. Jones was cut a week ago.
Jones, initially signed with the team Dec. 4 and has not been active for a game yet but will provide depth at safety and could play on special teams against Buffalo.
The team also re-signed rookie running back Cory Boyd to the practice squad after Boyd, who was released by the team Monday, cleared waivers.
Boyd was on the active roster last week but was inactive against Carolina. To make room for Boyd on the eight-man practice squad, the Broncos released running back Steve Baylark.
Also safety Calvin Lowry, released by the Broncos last week, has signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Lindsay H. Jones, The Denver Post
