Although James nears return, Fangio says all 3 OTs will play
Broncos right tackle Ja’Wuan James’ return from a knee injury is imminent, but don’t expect him to settle seamlessly back into an offensive line that needs shoring up.
James, who was medically cleared before the Kansas City game last week, said Wednesday before practice that his knee “feels all right” as he aims to return Sunday at Indianapolis. The 27-year-old was injured during the first half of the Week 1 loss in Oakland.
“I’m not sure yet (if I’ll play),” James said. “We’re going to see how practice goes these next couple days.”
James was listed as a full practice participant for the first time since Sept. 7; he was injured two nights later.
For James, the key to his return lies in testing the durability of his knee this week, especially since he has only had limited practice work the last two weeks.
“I just need to have a good week of practice, focus on my technique and my conditioning,” James said. “That, and I’m trying to build that side-to-side (confidence) in my knee.”
Said coach Vic Fangio: “Right now with Ja’Wuan’s situation, the one thing you have to remember is that he was out six weeks and because it was a knee injury, he’s not in the best of shape right now so (I) don’t know if it’s realistic he can go out there and play 65-70 plays. We’ll probably play all three tackles at some point.”
Elijah Wilkinson has started the last six games at right tackle. One possibility is Wilkinson seeing time at right tackle (to give James a break) and also left tackle (to see if he is an option to replace Garett Bolles, who has struggled).
IR guys sitting out. Fangio said quarterback Drew Lock (thumb), running back Theo Riddick (shoulder) and tight end Jake Butt (knee) will not practice this week. Lock, Riddick and Butt were eligible to resume practicing last week. As soon as they participate in one workout, the three-week clock begins to either keep them on injured reserve or use one of the two return-to-play designations on them.
“We just want to get a little bit more information,” Fangio said. “None of them are ready to play right now. We’re trying to postpone (starting the three-week window) as much as we can.”
Fangio said one returnedfrom-IR spot will “probably” go to receiver Tim Patrick (hand), who can begin practicing next week. “I go to the meetings and do my rehab and for the most part, I want to make sure I’m mentally prepared to come back,” Patrick said.
Callahan “progressing.” It was a month ago that the Broncos shut down cornerback Bryce Callahan after he underwent a non-surgical procedure (stem cell treatment) on his surgicallyrepaired foot. At the time, the Broncos said Callahan would be out 4-6 weeks.
“He’s progressing,” Fangio said. “Obviously, he’s not progressing enough to where you will see him out here running. But it wasn’t planned to be. … We knew it would be closer to six (weeks) than four (weeks). He’s another guy, even if he can play, the conditioning level is a factor.”
Asked if it was possible Callahan may not play this year, Fangio said: “That’s not the hope, but that is definitely possible.”
It was last Oct. 24 that Chad Kelly was the Broncos’ back-up quarterback. He was released following his arrest on suspicion of first-degree trespassing. Kelly was suspended for the first two games of this season.
Kelly was 54-of-73 passing for 583 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions during the preseason but was waived after the Colts signed Brian Hoyer. Kelly is now on the Colts’ practice squad.
“Chad’s been amazing,” Colts coach Frank Reich said during a conference call with Denver reporters. “Literally, Chad has been A-plus in every area. My experience with Chad here, everything has been extremely positive. He’s been great on the field and his work ethic, his play, how he’s progressed and developed as a quarterback has been good. And whatever the offseason issues were (before), he’s been a model citizen here.”
J. Harris added. The Broncos filled their open roster spot by acquiring Chicago defensive lineman Jonathan Harris off waivers.
Harris (6-foot-5, 295 pounds) played at Lindenwood (an NAIA school in Missouri), making 183 tackles and 22 sacks in 43 games. He wasn’t drafted and signed with the Bears. He played two games for Chicago after a practice squad call-up.
Footnotes. On the Fox broadcast last Thursday, Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman was critical of the Broncos’ “lackadaisical” offense in general and Joe Flacco’s lack of emotion in particular. Flacco’s response? “I am who I am. If I’m being somebody that I’m not, nobody is going to respect me in that huddle.” … Running back Phillip Lindsay on the 30-6 loss to Kansas City: “It was embarrassing. We came off winning two games in a row (and) feeling good. That’s the NFL for you. The good thing about this is that’s just one game.” … Right guard Ron Leary (rest) and linebacker Justin Hollins (knee) were limited in practice.