Watson’s time with Denver is complete
The emergence of other players combined with his pectoral injury led to the Broncos giving up on veteran offensive lineman Menelik Watson. The Broncos informed Watson early Monday they were placing him on injured reserve with the intention of releasing him when he becomes healthy.
Signed to a three-year, $19 million contract in 2017, Watson’s 2018 salary of $5.5 million became guaranteed when he remained on the roster in March.
According to the industry website Over The Cap, the Broncos will have “dead cap” hits of $6.83 million this year and $1.33 million in 2019 because of the move. Watson started seven games at right tackle last year before being sidelined by a foot injury. The Broncos traded for Jared Veldheer in the offseason to play right tackle, moving Watson to right guard.
On Monday coach Vance Joseph praised the play of backups Elijiah Wilkinson and Billy Turner.
“It was more about Billy and Eli, and Max Garcia is having a heck of a camp and playing like a starter,” Joseph said. “It was more about those guys than (Watson) not being a fit.”
Watson split first-team right guard snaps with Connor McGovern during organized team activities, but McGovern took hold of the spot when camp started. Garcia could make the team because he can play left guard if Ron Leary is injured. Turner and Wilkerson can work at tackle and guard, which helps their chances. Keenum’s lament. Quarterback Case Keenum said he found the reason he was off target on multiple throws against Chicago.
“For me, mechanically, I need my feet to get better,” Keenum said. “I was a little unsettled in the pocket at times, and it caused a few balls to sail when we had a few guys open. Looking back, my feet weren’t as good as they normally are in the pocket.”
Keenum also took blame for the one time he was sacked.
“That was on me,” Keenum said. “I could have had better feet in the pocket; I (should) have slid, gotten off my first read, got on down the road and (had) the ball out of my hands.” Joseph The improved play by the starting offense and defense, but also rosterwide, gave Joseph reason to be pleased with the Broncos’ showing Saturday night against the Bears.
“After really watching the tape, I was really impressed with our guys,” he said. “We didn’t win the game, and that’s always the most important thing, but we made a lot of progress offensively and defensively. Offensively, we got off to a better start and scored some points. Defensively, I was impressed with our guys stopping the run. It was a nice sign.” Cravens Safety Su’a Cravens remains out with a sore knee. He has not practiced since July 31.
“He had a setback about a week ago, but he’s actually getting better after this weekend,” Joseph said. “His next step is to get back to the practice field before he plays in a game.
“He’s a guy that joined us in the spring, and the position he plays is the ‘dime backer,’ spot, which is a critical spot for us, so absolutely he has to play eventually so we can see what we’ve got in him.”
Will Parks has taken advantage of Cravens’ absence to play the third safety in the Broncos’ dime (six defensive backs) package.
Besides Cravens, tight end Troy Fumagalli (groin), center Sam Jones (back), guard J.J. Dielman (knee) and cornerbacks Marcus Rios (leg) and Michael Hunter (migraines) did not practice. Parks (knee contusion) did not participate in team drills but did half-field sprints. Cornerback Chris Harris (oblique) and receiver Demaryius Thomas (wrist) practiced after missing the Chicago game…Joseph, on punt returner/receiver Isaiah McKenzie, who fumbled after a reception late against the Bears. “I want him to remain confident. He’s done some really good stuff. I don’t want him to go in the tank because of one play. He’s got to continue to push and compete and right now, he’s in a good spot. I wouldn’t want him to take a step back.” … On the Broncos’ unofficial depth chart, Chad Kelly remained the No. 2 quarterback.