Highlight: Demaryius Thomas said he felt the best physically he has all training camp Wednesday, and it showed on the field.
The Broncos’ leading receiver, who missed the team’s offseason workouts because of contract negotiations, appeared comfortable in the new offense, and caught a handful of sharp passes from Peyton Manning in 11-on-11 drills.
“It’s about there,” he said. “Today was probably one of my best days wind-wise and getting more reps. It is close. The thing is the altitude. I know when I go back to sea level I’ll be all right for sure. But it’s mostly heavy breathing when I’m here.”
WATCH:
Lowlight: Day 19 of Broncos camp got off to a rocky start with dropped passes, a couple of skirmishes, Manning getting knocked to the ground on a drive and starting running back C.J. Anderson getting hit late by Danny Trevathan.
The angst started when Andre Caldwell, one of the backup receivers fighting for the two or three open slot positions, dropped a pass and threw his helmet to the ground out of frustration.
Coach Gary Kubiak was standing a couple feet away and immediately became upset by the act. He restarted practice with the hope of renewing focus among his players.
QB Watch: Manning, just days from making his preseason debut at Houston threw precise passes during 11-on-11 drills and appeared at ease in the offense — and especially in finding Thomas and Cody Latimer.
Kubiak said Tuesday that Manning, who has been practicing without a glove, will play at least a quarter and a half Saturday against the Texans, giving him his first game action since last January’s disappointing playoff loss to the Colts.
WATCH:
Position Battle: The Broncos’ quarterback depth chart appeared clear before the first preseason game. But Trevor Siemian’s performance — 5-of-6 for 90 yards — has raised eyebrows.
As one of the Broncos’ seventh-round picks and as a player coming off a knee injury, Siemian seemed to be the clear-cut No. 4 quarterback. But Zac Dysert, a third-year player who was on the practice squad last season, struggled with his timing and was called for a delay of game penalty in Seattle.
Siemian returned to camp this week looking sharp and quick with his passes and decision-making, while Dysert still seems a bit off. Brock Osweiller is the No. 2 quaterback behind Manning.
Camp Facts: The Broncos hold their final day of training camp Thursday, from 9:30 to 11: 30 a.m. The workout is open to fans, free of charge. Parking and seating along the west side of the practice facility is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
