McMANUS BACK WITH TEAM ON PRACTICE SQUAD

The Broncos re-signed placekicker BrandonMcManus to their practice squad Thursday and released defensive end Gerald Rivers.

McManus was with the Broncos for their first 11 games. The Temple product was waived after making an NFL-low 69.2 percent of his field-goal attempts. But he was strong on kickoffs; his 75 percent touchback rate ranked third in the league.

The Broncos signed veteran kicker Connor Barth to replaceMcManus. In his Denver debut last weekend at Kansas City, he tied a franchise record by kicking five field goals. But he was short on his kickoffs; the Chiefs started from their 31- to 38yard line on their first seven returns. On his eighth kickoff of the game, Barth’s ball landed at the Chiefs’ 13-yard line, and his coverage team came through by holding the return to the 24.

Injury report.

Cornerback Aqib Talib (hamstring) was a full participant in practice Thursday and said he will be “ready to roll” against Buffalo on Sunday. But rookie wide receiver Cody Latimer might not be available. He left practice early with concussionlike symptoms and must clear the NFL-mandated protocol before returning.

Tuesday tryouts.

The Broncos worked out 11 players Tuesday, including seven defensive backs. Nobody was signed, although a few could be brought back after the season. NFL teams can start signing players to future contracts Dec. 30.

Garland saluted.

Ben Garland was named the Broncos’ Walter Payton man of the year recipient because of his outstanding leadership on the field and in the community. The guard fromAir Forcewill be honored during Sunday’s game and the Broncos will donate $10,000 to the charity of his choice. He is eligible to win the NFL’s national award.