The final countdown is here. The Broncos hit the field for their penultimate day of training camp Wednesday, this session closed to the public.
Coach Gary Kubiak may be thankful for the latter.
The Broncos had arguably one of their sloppiest days of camp. It started when Andre Caldwell dropped a pass and then threw his helmet down in front of Kubiak on an early team drill.
Kubiak, typically even-keeled, became enraged by the act and restarted practice.
But the message wasn’t received.
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Two small skirmishes between the defense and offense broke out, more passes were dropped, Peyton Manning was knocked down on a drive and then Danny Trevathan popped C.J. Anderson after a catch that knocked the wind out of the starting running back.
It was a late and unnecessary hit, but Anderson, after catching his breath, stood up and diffused the situation.
It was not the Broncos’ finest two hours. And Kubiak admitted as much.
But the more pressing news was that defensive end Kenny Anunike, the Broncos’ leading tackler in Friday’s preseason victory in Seattle, will have his right knee scoped Thursday, according to Kubiak.
Anunike sat out his second day of practice after Kubiak had indicated Tuesday that the swelling in his knee wasn’t too serious and that he wouldn’t miss much time.
Anunike has had a string of injuries throughout his college and pro career, including four surgeries on his left knee and one on his right ankle at Duke.
After performing well throughout training camp last season, he injured his elbow in the final preseason game in Dallas and was placed on the injured reserve.
A handful of veterans — ones who suited up for last Friday’s preseason opener in Seattle — were given a rest day Thursday; DeMarcus Ware, Aqib Talib, T.J. Ward and Von Miller all observed.
And others — Emmanuel Sanders (hamstring), Tony Carter (hamstring), Marvin Austin (groin) and Lerentee McCray (multiple injuries) — sat out as they continued to rehab their injuries.
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Defensive end Antonio Smith left early because of a death in the family.
Manning, Owen Daniels and Demaryius Thomas practiced full in preparation for Saturday’s game in Houston. Manning, Kubiak said, will play at least a quarter and a half for his preseason debut and his first action in the new zone-blocking offense.
On Wednesday the coach indicated that Thomas would play, as well, but how much will be determined during coaches meetings this week.
Footnote: Wednesday’s workout was closed to the public because of a private event for sponsors. Thursday’s session will be open to fans. … Former Broncos offensive lineman Mark Schlereth watched from the sideline. … Former coach Dan Reeves, the father-in-law of special teams coach Joe DeCamillis, attended practice.
Nicki Jhabvala: njhabvala@denverpost.com or
