Next up: Houston.
The Broncos returned to Dove Valley for training camp Monday after their to begin prepping for their next opponent, the Texans.
Joining them was one new face, punter Spencer Lanning, whom they claimed off waivers Friday. Chris Harris, who did not play Friday because of a hamstring injury, also rejoined the team in individual drills but did not participate in team drills. And Omar Bolden, the team’s No. 1 punt and kick returner who did not play Friday because of a hamstring injury, returned — a promising sign after the Broncos’ struggles on special teams in Seattle.
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“I’m feeling better,” he said. “It was just limited reps, but it’s getting better.”
The absence of Bolden on Friday added to the Broncos’ lackluster showing on special teams. The team yielded 236 yards and one touchdown — a 103-yard return by rookie Tyler Lockett — on kickoffs, while gaining only 84 yards. They also gave up 18 yards on three punt returns and responded with zero yards on two attempts.
As expected, Joe DeCamillis emphasized special-teams work in Monday’s practice, coordinating three special-teams periods with the entire team — save for the quarterbacks — participating in the drills.
Brandon McManus, Connor Barth and Lanning rotated in kicking off, with McManus consistently performing the best. Lanning botched his first kick, but booted a trio of deep and high kicks thereafter.
Coach Gary Kubiak kept the same offensive line units, with Ty Sambrailo, Max Garcia, Matt Paradis, Louis Vasquez and Ryan Harris with the first team. Kubiak again said he was pleased with the play of the first group in Seattle, but noted that the second unit — Chris Clark, Ben Garland, Gino Gradkowski, Shelley Smith and Michael Schofield — could have been better.
“The first thing that impressed me with our first group was Matt Paradis running the group,” Kubiak said. “He’s got to be a quarterback, and I know he’s been here a year, but let’s remember he’s really a rookie here, too.
“I was a little disappointed in the second group. They played hard, but there are some guys there that have played some football and our communication was not real good with that group. We have to bounce back and be better.”
The Broncos head to Houston this weekend to take on J.J. Watt and the Texans on Saturday in their second preseason game.
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Footnotes: Receiver Emmanuel Sanders (hamstring) worked out before the game in Seattle, but Kubiak said there continues to be soreness. The team will take a different approach with him this week and rest him a couple more days before having him return to the field. … Nose tackle Marvin Austin (groin) and outside linebacker Lerentee McCray (groin) observed from the sideline. And offensive tackle Charles Sweeton was carted off early with a dislocated finger. … Many members of the Nuggets front office and coaching staff watched Monday’s workout from the sideline, including general manager Tim Connelly and coach Michael Malone. … Air Force football coaches were also in attendance. … Larry Eustachy, Colorado State’s basketball coach, was also watching from the sideline.
Nicki Jhabvala: njhabvala@denverpost.com or twitter.com/nickijhabvala
