A day after ripping the NFL’s gambling policy in an interview with USA Today following the indefinite suspension of defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike, Broncos coach Sean Payton declined to take another swipe at the league Wednesday.
“We already went through it,” Payton responded when asked for his thoughts on the league’s policy following a team ramp-up workout prior to the start of training camp.
Uwazurike is the 10th player to be suspended this offseason due to a violation of the league’s gambling rules and 11th in the past two years. A fourth-round pick in the 2022 draft, Uwazurike is not eligible to apply for reinstatement until July 24, 2024, at the earliest.
Earlier in the offseason, Payton said the team discussed the league’s gambling policies. He expects them to go over the rules again during camp.
“I think everybody is adapting to this new policy and what the consequences are. And that can be frustrating when you lose a player at this point of the season,” apEO Greg Penner said. “At the same time, this gets to the integrity of the game. Owners, coaches, the front office (and) players have to do the right thing. Thatap what we are focused on.”
Safety Justin Simmons said the team will continue to support Uwazurike.
“We’ve all made mistakes, and as unfortunate as it is, we’re going to be there for him,” Simmons said. “But, we do have a job. It’s just like if someone were to get injured during the season, we still need to go out there and play and win games.”
Mims limited to start camp
Broncos rookie wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. is expected to be limited at the start of training camp due to a hamstring injury he suffered while working out, Payton said Wednesday.
Payton clarified that Mims did not injure the same hamstring that limited the former Oklahoma standout during OTAs and mandatory minicamp. Payton is not concerned about Denver’s second-round selection, as he anticipates Mims to be a full participant in a few days.
“He’ll probably be a (full go) in four (to) five days. Maybe a week,” Payton said.
While Payton isn’t a fan of providing injury updates, he expressed his pleasure in seeing starting running back Javonte Williams avoid the physically unable to perform list after tearing his ACL in October. Williams previously said he was eager to suit up in Week 1, but Payton said the team will continue to be cautious with the third-year running back’s recovery process.
Payton said the team has a planned schedule for Williams and other players that suffered serious injuries a year ago. He expects Williams to have limited days and occasional off days as he works his way back to full strength.
Edge rusher Randy Gregory, wide receiver Tim Patrick and offensive tackle Garett Bolles are among other players who could follow that same routine during camp.
Giving Maher a shot
When the Broncos signed veteran kicker Brett Maher, Payton wasn’t going to let one game be the judge of his career.
Maher melted down with the Dallas Cowboys during last season’s playoffs, missing 5 of 6 extra point attempts across two games, including four in a Wild Card round win over Tampa Bay.
However, Payton said the team liked Maher’s talent. The veteran played one season with the Saints and has converted 81% of his field goal attempts in 54 career games.
“He had a tough game, but when you look at his body of work, itap been pretty impressive,” Payton said of Maher, who will be competing with kicker Elliott Fry for a roster spot.
The Broncos brought Maher in for a workout after releasing veteran Brandon McManus earlier this offseason, but Payton said both sides were a bit off contract-wise.
“We’re happy we were able to get it done in time before the start of camp,” Payton said.
