Player Attendance
Did not practice: Physically Unable to Perform list — OLB Baron Browning (knee). Non-Football Injury list — DL Mike Purcell (knee).
Safety Justin Simmons missed his second straight practice due to a groin injury. Outside linebacker Aaron Patrick, safety Kareem Jackson, tight end Chris Manhertz and rookie cornerback Riley Moss did not practice. Moss, however, observed practice for the first time since undergoing core muscle surgery.
Injuries
Wide receiver Brandon Johnson and right tackle Mike McGlinchey left practice early due to injuries. Johnson slipped while running a route during a 1-on-1 drill. He was on the ground in pain before slowly walking off the field. Later, Johnson went with a trainer into the locker room.
McGlinchey went down around the same time during 9-on-7. He was able to walk off the field on his own, as well.
Top Play
Two-minute execution: Quarterback Russell Wilson and the offense are starting to come together, and it showed during the two-minute drill at the end of practice. Wilson led a 73-yard scoring drive, which featured a 37-yard reception from rookie wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. before Courtland Sutton caught a 14-yard touchdown pass, which had the crowd going crazy.
“We’ve done a really great job in those situations, in terms of executing when we need to,” Wilson said. “Coach (Sean) Payton does a good job in putting us in situations that we are going to have to win.”
Thumbs up
Washington continues strong camp: After wide receiver Montrell Washington caught four passes for two yards last season, he has used training camp to prove he is more than a return specialist. During the team’s 1-on-1 drill, Washington made an impressive contested touchdown grab over cornerback Faion Hicks on a deep pass in the end zone from quarterback Jarrett Stidham.
Later in practice, Washington sped down the field before cutting back and catching a pass from quarterback Ben DiNucci during the 11-on-11 period.
Thumbs down
Okwuegbunam’s stock going down: There’s still time before roster cuts, but fourth-year tight end Albert Okwuegbunam hasn’t done much to stand out from the rest in the room. Projected starter Greg Dulcich is starting to ramp up his production on the field, while Adam Trautman and Chris Manhertz have showcased their value in the run game, being heavily involved in 12 personnel.
In June, Payton praised Okwuegbunam’s athleticism and growing consistency. But if Denver decides to keep only three tight ends on the 53-man roster, itap looking like Okwuegbunam might be the odd one out.
Odds and ends
• The stars were out at Centura Health Training Center. Former Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning and owners Rob Walton, Carrie Walton Penner and Greg Penner were in attendance. Ciara was also watching after the announcement that she and Russell Wilson are expecting another baby.
• Retired defensive end Jared Allen was observing the Broncos’ outside linebackers and defensive linemen at practice. Allen, a five-time Pro Bowler, played 13 seasons in the NFL, including six with the Minnesota Vikings.
• The competition between kickers Brett Maher and Elliott Fry is heating up. Maher went 5 for 5 on field goal attempts while Fry was 4 for 5, missing a 28-yarder. Special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica said both players have been efficient, converting 90% of their kicks at practice.
“There are going to be key kicks coming up,” Kotwica said. “Whether itap in a team period, two-minute (drill), or Friday against Arizona, there will definitely be a money ball like in the 3-point contest.”
• Wide receiver Kendall Hinton had a strong day at camp, which was highlighted by an over-the-shoulder touchdown catch during the red zone period. Hinton sped past cornerback Art Green before Wilson perfectly lofted the ball into his hands for the score.
• Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said the outside linebacker room is one of the best he has been around “in a very long time.”
“Having a bunch of rushers with different traits has been fun to watch,” he said.
• Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi praised undrafted rookie running back Jaleel McLaughlin’s vision on the field.
“Jaleel seems to break (for) a big run at least once a day,” Lombardi said. “He sets up his blocks well.”
Lombardi added that he has been encouraged with McLaughlin and running back Tyler Badie in the passing game and looks forward to seeing them play preseason games.
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