1. Perhaps the biggest sign that veterans are ready for training camp to be over came in a brawl at practice Monday.
Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders and cornerback Chris Harris were at the center of it. Harris was physical with Sanders on a route on the sideline. And when Harris’ contact rose to his helmet, Sanders took exception. Teammates jumped in on the scrap that lasted about 15 seconds.
Punches were thrown and helmets were removed, but no one appeared to be injured. Tempers boiled over for a few minutes, but Sanders and Harris hashed it out and shook hands later in practice.
“They’re just tired of going at each other,” coach Gary Kubiak said. “We have to keep our composure. … They’re just competing.”
2. The highlight play of Broncos practice Monday came from safety Will Parks, who made a diving fingertip interception of a pass by Paxton Lynch intended for fullback Andy Janovich in team drills.
Parks said he anticipated a curl route, but when the receiver broke out he made an adjustment and was able to make the play on a late pass. The rookie has been impressive since the day he arrived at Broncos headquarters. He and roommate Justin Simmons are expected to play integral roles as depth at safety and on special teams.
3. The Broncos are hoping for the best regarding defensive end Vance Walker’s knee injury, but they have to prepare for Walker being unable to play.
Depth behind him becomes an immediate concern. Jared Crick stepped in with the first team and probably will have that role if Walker is out long term. Adam Gotsis appears to be the next defensive end off the bench, and the rookie said he’s prepared for a bigger role if needed.
Billy Winn and undrafted rookies Lars Koht and Calvin Heuertelou are the only other defensive ends on the roster. Nose tackle Sylvester Williams could get reps at defensive end on passing downs.
4. Rookie tailback Devontae Booker continued to get first-team repetitions Monday, and also got second-team reps in place of Ronnie Hillman. Booker’s spot on the roster is relatively secure. The last few weeks of the preseason appear to be shaping up as a Hillman vs. Kapri Bibbs battle for one roster spot if the Broncos can’t keep them both.
5. Mark Sanchez took snaps as a holder on field goal-attempts Monday. The Broncos could be giving reps at holder to as many candidates as possible.
6. Darrion Weems continues to get first-team reps at right guard while Colorado State product Ty Sambrailo is out. Another option to be a Week 1 starter would be Michael Schofield, who is listed as the co-No. 1 at right guard on the depth chart.
7. Undrafted rookie tight end Henry Kreiger-Coble had one of his better practices Monday. His receptions included a red zone touchdown pass from Paxton Lynch. Garrett Graham sat out practice because of an injury. John Phillips returned from an injury that kept him out last week.
8. Shane Ray has been getting the majority of the first-team reps at outside linebacker opposite all-pro Von Miller. If DeMarcus Ware (back) is unable to play in the season opener, Ray appears to have the edge on Shaquil Barrett as Ware’s replacement.
9. Durron Neal was added to the group of kick returners Monday, joining Jordan Norwood, Kalif Raymond and Bralon Addison.
The race for the No. 1 return job has started to heat up, with Norwood and Raymond leading. But Addison fared well in the preseason opener at Chicago last week.
10. Monday was Kubiak’s birthday. Don’t be be surprised if he spent the time watching more tape.
Tuesday’s camp facts: Practice is open to fans from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Parking begins at 7 a.m.; gates open at 8 a.m.
