The Denver Broncos have, again, selected Peyton Manning (offense), DeMarcus Ware (defense) and David Bruton (special teams) as their captains for the upcoming season.
The three represented the team last season, in addition to Demaryius Thomas and Terrance Knighton, who signed with Washington in free agency.
The team voted Wednesday and coach Gary Kubiak announced the picks following practice.
“It’s certainly an honor. It’s not something you take for granted,” Manning said. “We voted today so it’s been a process since April. There are a lot of new players, new coaches, so I’ve always thought that any player, their first priority is to earn the respect of their teammates and coaches. … It was a nice honor to hear that news today.”
Ware, who is entering his seventh NFL season as a team captain since the league began using the “C” patches, said the Broncos will also have a player leadership council and will name captains for game days, determined by performances in the previous week’s game.
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Manning’s practice plan. Kubiak’s plan to keep Manning fresh will altered to open the season, he said. After receiving a longer break in advance of Sunday’s opener against Baltimore, Manning will practice every day this week and resume taking Wednesday’s off in Week 3. The Broncos are on the road for a Thursday game in Week 2 in Kansas City, making for a shortened week.
Injuries. Only one player was sidelined Wednesday in advance of the opener. Defensive end Kenny Anunike attended the workout but did not participate as he continues to recover from arthroscopic knee surgery. Linebacker Lerentee McCray was limited, and the others who were dealing with lingering injuries late in preseason — Omar Bolden, Emmanuel Sanders — practiced full.
Nicki Jhabvala: njhabvala@denverpost.com or
