Highlight from Thursday’s camp at Dove Valley
After somewhat of a quiet opening week of training camp, wide receiver Eddie Royal stood out in team drills Thursday.
Royal was a frequent target for Kyle Orton as the Broncos’ offense worked through red zone drills. Royal made a diving catch in the back right corner of the endzone, gathering the ball as he rolled over after a tackle by cornerback Nate Jones.
However, the play was waved off by officials. The NFL had officials in Broncos camp for the first time and they will be on hand today too. Royal later scored on another play, also from Orton, this time as he crossed into the middle of the field.
Lowlight
It may not get any lower than getting the news the NFL’s sack leader will not be on the field for quite some time. The most optimistic projection for Elvis Dumervil’s return from a torn pectoral is November. The worst-case scenario is Dumervil misses the season.
To put that in perspective, Dumervil has 43 career sacks, including a league-leading 17 last season, while his current replacement, linebacker Jarvis Moss, has 3.5 career sacks in limited playing time over the past three years.
To quote
“I was just sad for him, I know how important this year was for a guy like Elvis. I was just sad for him.”
—Linebacker Jarvis Moss on hearing about Elvis Dumervil’s injury.
Position battle
With wide receiver Kenny McKinley (knee) placed on injured reserve Thursday, the opportunities for a player such as Matthew Willis expand. Willis has been the most visible wideout in the first week of camp, making quality play after quality play. The position is crowded, and because of McKinley’s big role on special teams, it was going to be difficult for Willis to crack a spot on the depth chart where the Broncos likely will keep six players. There’s still some work for Willis. The top seven receivers in the Broncos’ rotation are Jabar Gaffney, Eddie Royal, Brandon Lloyd, Demaryius Thomas, Brandon Stokley, Eric Decker and Willis. Thomas and Decker are rookies.
Quarterback watch
Kyle Orton — Made some quality throws in a red zone drill, especially a nice ball to the back of the end zone to Eddie Royal that was waved off.
Brady Quinn — Didn’t get quite as many reps as he has on some other days. Still having up-and-down days, especially with his reps in full-team drills.
Tim Tebow — Light on reps Thursday. Threw an interception late in the workout. Had his requisite running plays.
Camp facts
The Broncos practiced once Thursday afternoon. Today they will practice at 8:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Both workouts open to the public.
