CINCINNATI — Veteran wide receiver Brandon Stokley has a lot of NFL memorabilia, a collection that includes a special ball and pair of gloves that bring him fond memories of the Broncos’ last game against the Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium.
In last year’s season opener, Stokley caught a deflected pass and scored an 87-yard touchdown. He scored with 11 seconds left, lifting the Broncos to a 12-7 victory.
The deflected pass Stokley caught was intended for Brandon Marshall. The game marked the Denver debut of coach Josh McDaniels and quarterback Kyle Orton.
Stokley said he expects to hear about the play from Bengals fans while the Broncos are in Cincinnati.
“It will go down as one of my favorite plays of all time,” Stokley said. “It was a right- place, right-time type of deal, but it definitely brings a smile to my face.”
Stokley probably won’t be a starter today in the Broncos’ preseason opener — the likely starters at wide receiver are Jabar Gaffney, Eddie Royal and Brandon Lloyd — but he should be noticed. Stokley has been impressive during training camp.
“Even though it’s the preseason, I’m trying to improve every day out here during practice and especially the games,” said Stokley, who is in his 12th NFL season and fourth with the Broncos. “That’s when you get your real time in offensively and defensively. You want to feel good about yourself heading into that first game.”
Up for grabs.
Part one of the audition process for Denver players trying to win a starting job or make the 53-man roster is nearly complete with training camp approaching the finish line.
Several jobs remain up for grabs, including nickel cornerback (Nate Jones will start), defensive end (Ryan McBean has an edge on Jarvis Green) and at several spots on the offensive line (rookies Zane Beadles and J.D. Walton are close to winning jobs at right guard and center, respectively).
“I think our team knows we’re serious about playing the best guys on offense, defense and in the kicking game. If they don’t, I’m not sure where they’ve been the last two or three months,” Mc- Daniels said.
“If they don’t play well, they don’t perform well, they don’t practice well, then we’re going to play the people that give us the best opportunity to win.”
Sitting out.
Keep a roster nearby while watching today’s game. And not just for the second half, when rookies and other young players get most of the playing time.
The Broncos’ starting lineup will be missing several players the team hopes will be able to start the season opener Sept. 12 at Jacksonville.
Instead of all-pro offensive lineman Ryan Clady at left tackle, fans will see D’An- thony Batiste. Instead of D.J. Williams at inside linebacker, fans will see Wesley Woodyard and Akin Ayodele.
Williams missed much of the first week of training camp and has been limited since returning to practice. He did not travel with the Broncos to Cincinnati on Saturday.
“If the guys are healthy and ready to go, we’ll play them,” McDaniels said.
Other players who won’t play against the Bengals include right guard Chris Kuper (ankle), running backs Know- shon Moreno (hamstring) and Correll Buckhalter (back), rookie wide receivers Demaryius Thomas (foot) and Eric Decker (ankle), and outside linebackers Elvis Dumervil (pectoral muscle) and Jarvis Moss (hand).
