The Broncos kicked off a light-practice day Tuesday in preparation of the ensuing joint practices with the San Francisco 49ers, which take place Wednesday and Thursday.
“I’ve been a part of some really good ones and I’ve been a part of some not so good,” coach Gary Kubiak said. “This is a little different because it’s Week 3. We’re going to be in shells tomorrow against each other and then we’ll be in shorts Thursday.”
Kubiak said the plan is to practice the young guys “a great deal” over the next two days since their number of reps will be lower in Saturday’s game.
He admitted it’s not ideal for joint practices to be held in Week 3 because that’s usually the week that teams develop their routine.
“We’re going to do everything we can to keep everybody off the ground,” Kubiak said.
On the field, receiver Emmanuel Sanders once again was a non-participant as he deals with a hamstring injury. The Broncos are being cautious in his return to the field, but his status for Saturday’s game is still uncertain.
“The expectation is for him to be back on the practice field before the week is done,” Kubiak said.
Linebacker Lerentee McCray (groin) did not practice Tuesday, but Kubiak expects him back on the practice field by early next week at the latest in preparation for opening day.
Both starting linebackers Danny Trevathan (knee) and Brandon Marshall (foot) are also to be ready for opening day. Kubiak said Trevathan was about a week behind Marshall, but he expects him to play Saturday against the 49ers.
Safety Ross Madison (shoulder) also missed practice Tuesday.
Among the changes since the team was last on the field in Saturday’s was the freshly shaved head of left tackle Ty Sambrailo. Sambrailo, who typically sports a full head of hair, was one of many victims of the last week.
The defensive backs channeled their style with safety T.J. Ward donning blue-and-orange Frosted Flakes socks, while cornerback Chris Harris Jr. sported Chris Harris Jr. on his socks.
“I got some Willy Wonkas, I got some Mountain Dews,” Ward said. “I got a pair of my own socks, too. It’s just a little flavor we can add to practice to make it a little bit more fashion forward.”
Cornerback Aqib Talib had another impressive practice to add to a superb training camp. He notched an athletic interception in team drills on a pass from quarterback Zac Dysert.
The newest Bronco, tight end Jake Murphy, arrived to practice Tuesday with a head of hair that will likely rival receiver Jordan Taylor for the fullest on the team. Murphy was claimed off waivers Thursday from the Cincinnati Bengals after nose tackle Marvin Austin was placed on injured reserve
Training camp ended last week, so there was a notable absence from the fans out at Dove Valley.
Cameron Wolfe: cwolfe@denverpost.com or twitter.com/CameronWolfe
