Newcomer Spencer won’t delay to step right in as punt returner
Following a tumultuous preseason in which no player did enough to earn the role, it will be up to Diontae Spencer to improve the Broncos’ NFL- worst punt returning game.
Spencer was acquired via waivers from the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday and had his first Broncos practice Monday.
Spencer is expected to make his NFL regular- season debut Monday night at Oakland.
“We’ll see how he does this week, but ( Spencer returning punts is) what we’re planning on,” coach Vic Fangio said after the Broncos’ first regular- season practice. “He was a good returner ( on video). He has a lot of experience doing it. He’s quick, he’s fast and he’s a seasoned returner.”
Spencer, 27, averaged 14.7 yards per punt return for the Steelers in the preseason but was waived Saturday.
“It’s a big opportunity,” he said of joining the Broncos. “I’m ready to get here, work and get to know everybody.”
Spencer may not have any NFL experience, but he had 191 punt returns in four Canadian Football League seasons.
“It was a great opportunity for me to mature, become a good football player and just grow as a person,” he said of his CFL time. “It helped me get to the place I am now.”
Spencer did admit: “I never thought it would take four years ( to make an NFL roster), but each year, I always felt the window was open for me. I feel right now is the perfect time, and it’s a blessing how everything worked out.”
The new Broncos — Spencer, linebacker Corey Nelson, quarterback Brandon Allen, cornerback Davontae Harris, safety/ cornerback Duke Dawson, guard/ center Corey Levin and tight end Andrew Beck — arrived at the Broncos’ facility at 6: 30 a. m. Monday.
Fangio expects them to make a quick transitions to the Broncos’ schemes.
“One thing about these guys we’ve claimed from other teams — yes, they’re coming in and learning another system, but they’ve come from other camps and are football- ready,” Fangio said. “And it’s actually easier to learn during a game week than training camp, because things are pared down and dialed in more.”
Fullback Andy Janovich ( pectoral) and Inside linebackers Todd Davis ( calf) and Joe Jones ( triceps) were the only Broncos who did not participate in Monday’s non- padded practice.
Davis and Jones took the team stretch before going to a side field for conditioning. Davis stayed outside for about 30 minutes.
Fangio said “there’s a chance” Davis could be available and said there is “not a clear picture” for when Janovich and Jones will return, but it won’t be in Week 1.
Right guard Ron Leary ( knee), who did not play in the preseason, did practice, and the Broncos will have to play the delicate dance this week of making sure he’s ready to play in a full game but not pushing him too much in practice.
“We’re just going to have play that fine line all year with him,” Fangio said. “This week should be the easiest week, with the extra time we’ve had and the extra days off we’ve get.” Week 1 challenge. Fangio said the Raiders are more difficult to prepare for because so many of their top offensive players saw little to no preseason action.
“Usually, when you have a coaching change with a team, you’re never quite sure what you’re going to get; their offensive coaching staff has stayed the same,” Fangio said. “But they have a lot of new players ( who) didn’t play much in the preseason. All this Raider tape we’re watching, ( receiver) Antonio Brown isn’t on it, ( rookie tailback Josh) Jacobs isn’t on it, the receiver from the Chargers ( Tyrell Williams) isn’t on it. That makes it challenging.”
Brown didn’t play in the preseason, Jacobs had four carries and Williams one reception. Footnotes. Fangio said the Broncos will have week- to- week player captains instead of season captains. … The players had Saturday and Sunday off, and those who didn’t play against Arizona were back on the field Monday for the first time since last Tuesday. “We had 30- some plays on both sides of the ball just to get the blood flowing again,” Fangio said. “We wanted to get them out there and get them rolling again.” The players will be off Tuesday and Thursday this week. … The Broncos rounded out their 10- man practice squad by signing offensive tackle Jake Rodgers and inside linebacker Josh Watson, both of whom were cut Sunday and cleared waivers. … Uniform news: Numbers for the five new Broncos: 2 ( Allen), 11 ( Spencer), 20 ( Dawson), 27 ( Harris) and 62 ( Levin).