DeMarcus Ware observing from the sideline during Broncos practices has become a common sight. The 12th-year linebacker continues to deal with a lingering back problem that kept him out of five games last season and sidelined him for the entire offseason program.
Coach Gary Kubiak and general manager John Elway said Wednesday that Ware would open training camp on the sideline again. He has been placed on the non-football illness list. Ware said the team is being extra cautious with his recovery, and that he isn’t concerned about making it back in time for the regular season.
“If I had the choice, if the game was tomorrow, I’d be out there playing,” he said. “… It’s just soreness and just working through the soreness. I wouldn’t say any discomfort. But now it’s strengthening — making sure it’s strong the whole season instead of saying you’re just ready to play for the first preseason game. Let’s get it all the way to the point where it’s ironclad and it can withstand the whole season.”
Ware’s hope is that he’ll be able to practice in pads before the preseason ends so he’ll be ready for the opener against Carolina on Sept. 8. But after 11 NFL training camps, it’s fair to question if Ware really needs any training camp to prepare.
“This is 12 years for me and I know what I’m doing,” he said. “But it’s all about now getting your body for the long-haul and that’s a 16-game season, and getting ready for a postseason.”
Ware led the Broncos with 4.5 sacks and 13 tackles in the first four games last season. He suffered the back injury on Oct. 11, in a victory at Oakland, then aggravated it at Indianapolis on Nov. 8.
“By the season I’ll be around about 94 percent,” he said with a laugh, referencing his jersey number. “I think I’ll be ready. Actually I know I’ll be ready.”
John Leyba, The Denver Post
Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) signs autographs for fans on the first day of training camp at Dove Valley on July 28, 2016.
John Leyba, The Denver Post
Denver Broncos outside linebacker Corey Nelson (52) meets with his daughter Phoenix 7mos old after practice on the first day of training camp at Dove Valley on July 28, 2016.
John Leyba, The Denver Post
Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) signs autographs for fans on the first day of training camp at Dove Valley on July 28, 2016.
John Leyba, The Denver Post
Denver Broncos quarterbacks Mark Sanchez (6), Paxton Lynch (12) and Trevor Siemian (13) stretch before practice on the first day of training camp at Dove Valley on July 28, 2016.
John Leyba, The Denver Post
Denver Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak walks on the field during practice on the first day of training camp at Dove Valley on July 28, 2016.
John Leyba, The Denver Post
The Denver Broncos' helmets line the field at practice on the first day of training camp at Dove Valley on July 28, 2016.
John Leyba, The Denver Post
A sparse crowd cheers on Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) during practice on the first day of training camp at Dove Valley on July 28, 2016.
John Leyba, The Denver Post
Denver Broncos running back Kapri Bibbs (35) catches a pass during practice on the first day of training camp at Dove Valley on July 28, 2016.
John Leyba, The Denver Post
Denver Broncos quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) looks back to signal to Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) during drills at practice on the first day of training camp at Dove Valley on July 28, 2016.
John Leyba, The Denver Post
Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) looks on during practice on the first day of training camp at Dove Valley on July 28, 2016.
John Leyba, The Denver Post
Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) runs through drills during practice on the first day of training camp at Dove Valley on July 28, 2016.
John Leyba, The Denver Post
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) catches a pass during practice on the first day of training camp at Dove Valley on July 28, 2016.
John Leyba, The Denver Post
Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib heads to the next drill during practice on the first day of training camp at Dove Valley on July 28, 2016.
John Leyba, The Denver Post
A sparse crowd watches the Denver Broncos practice on the first day of training camp at Dove Valley on July 28, 2016.
John Leyba, The Denver Post
Denver Broncos wide receiver DeVier Posey (15) reaches out for a pass during practice on the first day of training camp at Dove Valley on July 28, 2016.
John Leyba, The Denver Post
Denver Broncos defensive back John Tidwell (45) russ down the sidelines during drills in practice on the first day of training camp at Dove Valley on July 28, 2016.
John Leyba, The Denver Post
The offensive line stretches before practice on the first day of training camp at Dove Valley on July 28, 2016.
John Leyba, The Denver Post
Denver Broncos quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) hands off to Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) in drills during practice on the first day of training camp at Dove Valley on July 28, 2016.
John Leyba, The Denver Post
Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) pitches the football in drills during practice on the first day of training camp at Dove Valley on July 28, 2016.
John Leyba, The Denver Post
The defensive line stretches before practice on the first day of training camp at Dove Valley on July 28, 2016.
John Leyba, The Denver Post
Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) and Denver Broncos linebacker Dekoda Watson (57) sign autographs for fans on the first day of training camp at Dove Valley on July 28, 2016.
John Leyba, The Denver Post
Denver Broncos linebacker Shane Ray (56) signs autographs for fans on the first day of training camp at Dove Valley on July 28, 2016.
John Leyba, The Denver Post
Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) signs autographs for fans on the first day of training camp at Dove Valley on July 28, 2016.
John Leyba, The Denver Post
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Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) signs autographs for fans on the first day of training camp at Dove Valley on July 28, 2016.
