Keenum, seven games left: “It’s whatever-it-takes time”

After practice Wednesday, Broncos quarterback Case Keenum accurately described the team’s sense of urgency sitting with a 3-6 record.

“It’s whatever-it-takes time,” Keenum said. “It’s hold-nothingback time. It’s fire-all-the-bullets-in-the-chamber (time) — whatever cliché you want to use.

“It’s time. I think, as a team (and) as an offense, that’s where we’re at.”

Time, though, is probably out for the Broncos to make December football interesting, their current six losses in seven games crippling their playoff chances.

Keenum has some momentum, though. Against Houston in Week 9, he had his first turnoverfree game. The 100 passer rating remains elusive (none this season), but Keenum has reached 90 in four of the last five games.

“We want to improve the things we’re doing well and reallywanttomakesureweshoreup the things we’re maybe struggling at,” Keenum said. “(The coaches) have a great plan. From the bye week to setting this week up, it’s been a good couple weeks. I’m excited to get going again.”

Several players return.

The Broncos’ return to practice was highlighted by several players being available to work.

Running back Royce Freeman (ankle), cornerback Bradley Roby (ankle), receiver DaeSean Hamilton (knee) and safety Darian Stewart were all listed as limited participants. Freeman, Hamilton and Stewart have missed the last two games and Roby was out for the Houston loss. Linebacker Joseph Jones (foot) was also limited.

Linebacker Brandon Marshall (knee) and safety Dymonte Thomas (ankle) did side-field conditioning work but missed practice.

Happy for call.

Center Gino Gradkowski started his second tour with the team on Monday. He will serve as Connor McGovern’s backup. Gradkowski, 30, was living in New Jersey asfter his release by the New York Jets in training camp.

“I was actually getting to the point where I was considering moving on,” he said. “I was close to my alma mater at Delaware and thinking about getting down there to work in their athletic department and see what I could do after football. But the call (from the Broncos) came at the perfect time, and I’m so glad to be back in it.”

Gradkowski has been with Baltimore (2012-14), the Broncos and Atlanta (2015), Carolina (2016-17) and the Jets. He has 20 career starts.

“I’m used to bouncing around and getting used to different systems,” he said. “A lot of the calls are very similar, and a lot of the plays are the same. It’s just the terminology I have to get used to.”

Chargers “rolling.”

The Chargers’ six-game winning streak is their longest since 2006 and their offense has been both explosive (50 plays of at least 20 yards, third-most in the league) and sound (seven turnovers, tied for the fewest).

“I think it starts with the quarterback; it always does,” said Broncos coach Vance Joseph, referring to Philip Rivers. “The last couple of years with Philip, he would make some big plays but he would give away some plays also. But he’s not doing that. He’s playing smart, efficient football. … It’s an offense that’s rolling.”

Peko nominated.

Broncos nose tackle Domata Peko is the team’s nominee for the 2018 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award. A panel from the NFL Legends Community will select eight finalists (four from each conference). Players will then vote for the winner, which will be announced Feb. 2 in Atlanta. The four previous winners are Larry Fitzgerald, Charles Woodson, Frank Gore and Luke Kuechly.