Sanders wants to “gradually progress” in training camp

Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders said Tuesday he will not participate in team drills when training camp practices begin Thursday.

Sanders, who missed the final four games of 2018 with a torn Achilles tendon, said he and the team will take a patient approach to his return. If Sanders starts camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, he can’t take part in individual or team drills, so it’s possible he will be on the field, but just for individual workouts.

“We’re going to take our time,” Sanders said. “I don’t even know if I’ll do the conditioning test (Wednesday). As far as practice, I’m definitely not going to be full-go from the jump. We’ll increase the workload day by day until the trainers feel like I’m ready to go full speed.”

Sanders and several teammates, including safety Justin Simmons, nose tackle Shelby Harris, cornerback Isaac Yiadom, linebacker Kieshawn Bierria, receiver Tim Patrick and tight ends Jeff Heuerman and Jake Butt, were at a King Soopers in Parker for the fourth “Back To School With The Broncos.” Players assisted 25 Broncos Boys & Girls Club members in using $100 gift cards for school supplies.

Butt, who tore his ACL in practice before the Week 4 game against Kansas City, said he will be available to practice this week but expects to be eased into drills.

Sanders was on pace for a fourth career 1,000-yard receiving season when he tore his Achilles last Dec. 5. That puts nine months and four days between the injury and the Broncos’ Sept. 9 opener at Oakland.

“I want to be ready for Week 1, when it all starts to count,” Sanders said. “A lot of people are saying, ‘How come you’re not out