Bolles back at practice
To the surprise of many, Broncos rookie left offensive tackle Garett Bolles returned to practice Thursday on a limited basis and participated in early positional drills and some team drills with his left ankle heavily taped.
“Not surprised by it,” coach Vance Joseph said. “Obviously, the initial injury we thought was more serious, but he’s treated and he’s getting better fast. He’s not there yet, so we’re not sure if he’s going to play on Sunday, but he’s getting better fast.”
Bolles was injured on a run play in the third quarter of the Broncos’ win over the Dallas Cowboys last Sunday and was carted off the field in tears. He left the stadium on crutches and with a boot on his left foot and, after undergoing further testing Monday, was determined to have a lower-leg bruise.
He was listed as week to week and did not attend practice Wednesday, leading many to believe he would miss at least the Broncos’ Week 3 game at Buffalo on Sunday.
“It felt good today, and I was grateful,” Bolles said. “When I came out here, it was definitely a blessing to be back out here with my brothers knowing this is the greatest sport that any man can play. Knowing that I’m back out here and feeling good, that’s all that matters right now.”
Joseph said Bolles’ return to practice adds him in the mix to possibly suit up Sunday, but the team will see how he feels after his first day back, and after the next two days of practices.
“He could be sore in the morning and have a setback. So we’re not sure,” Joseph said. “He went some today and hopefully he gets better overnight and he can go more tomorrow and Saturday.”
Among them Broncos options at left tackle, should Bolles be unable to go Sunday, is swing tackle Donald Stephenson, who replaced Bolles initially in the third quarter last Sunday, and veteran Allen Barbre.
“I feel great. Right now, I’m just going to take it one day at a time,” Bolles said. “I’m not planning on pushing it. … Whether it’s this week or next week, I just know that I’m going to be ready.”