Sutton ready for test run vs. Rams
One day short of 49 weeks after he tore his ACL in the Broncos’ loss to Pittsburgh last September, receiver Courtland Sutton will return to the field in Saturday’s preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams.
Sutton, who was held out of the first two exhibition games as a precaution, is expected to play a handful of snaps as a first and final test run before the Sept. 12 opener at the New York Giants.
“I definitely want to be able to go out and play fast and just not think about anything,” he said after practice Thursday. “That was one of my biggest things going into camp — I wanted to go build that confidence in myself that my leg is completely fine and I can be who I am at a high level. I think that’s exactly what I want to do Saturday and moving forward with the rest of the season.”
Said offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur: “The game reps are important for him. This is the next phase of his recovery — and he’s done a great job in practice — and (he needs to) just go out and play football and run good, crisp routes and if he’s asked to block, do his business, and catch the ball.”
In addition to Sutton, coach Vic Fangio said outside linebacker Von Miller (ankle), running back Melvin Gordon (groin) and tight end Albert Okwuegbunam (ACL) are also expected to make their preseason debuts.
Sutton admitted there will be “angst” as game-time approaches.
“I … have … missed … the … game … a lot,” he said with emphasis. “I know a lot of people say the preseason doesn’t count, but I feel if you’re stepping on the field and they blow the whistle and the clock is running, it’s a game.”
Sutton’s goal is to show the coaches and trainers he doesn’t need to be limited against the Giants.
“One thousand percent,” he said. “I’m going to play as much as they allow me to play (in Week 1). I don’t have a pitch count for myself. I don’t plan on playing only 30 plays.”
Shurmur praises quarterbacks. It was Shurmur’s turn to recap Quarterback Competition 2021 after practice and he delivered praise for starter Teddy Bridgewater and backup Drew Lock.
“There was constant discussion about who was going to be the starting quarterback and the reason was because they were both doing very well and we felt we could win with both guys,” Shurmur said. “Intentionally, we tried to hit it right down the middle with the No. 1 reps in team (work), the No. 1 reps in 7-on-7 and with the two preseason games as well.
“We named Teddy the starter and we’re thrilled about him moving forward, but it’s safe to say everybody here should see the great improvement Drew has made and how tremendously he handled the competition and now he understands he’s one play away from having to go in there and win football games.”
When regular season practices begin, Shurmur said Lock will have a “rack of plays to continue his development.”
Several players ruled out.
Fangio said the Broncos’ starters will play “a few series” against the Rams.
Not playing will be tight end Noah Fant (leg), receiver KJ Hamler (illness), cornerback Michael Ojemudia (hamstring), safety Trey Marshall (ankle) and running back Mike Boone (quad). Safety Caden Sterns (leg) missed a second consecutive practice, but Fangio did not list him as the players who won’t play.
Fangio said Hamler is “feeling a lot better,” and he watched the final part of practice.
As for Fant, Fangio said: “I don’t think he’ll miss any time in the regular season.”