Broncos LB Shane Ray Could Be Ready for Camp, Per Report by Ryan O’Halloran Denver Post July 24, 2018
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Broncos LB Shane Ray could be ready for camp, per report By Ryan O’Halloran Denver Post July 24, 2018 Per a report by NFL Network, Broncos outside linebacker Shane Ray did not undergo a fourth left wrist surgery last month, meaning he could be ready to participate in the start of training camp on Saturday. A league source told The Denver Post last week that Ray was trending toward being available when practice began. An email sent to Ray’s representation requesting comment was never returned. Ray was limited to eight games in 2017 because of a wrist injury sustained early in training camp. He underwent three surgeries. Ray started the offseason program in May as the starting strongside linebacker ahead of rookie Bradley Chubb. But Ray was shut down after experiencing discomfort. In mid-June, Ray and coach Vance Joseph said Ray was going to have surgery in Houston. Ray said the operation would involve “bone fusion.” It remains unknown why the surgery did not happen. Broncos Briefs: DL Clinton McDonald feels “100 percent” after missing offseason program By Ryan O’Halloran Denver Post July 24, 2018 Broncos defensive lineman Clinton McDonald expects to pass a physical Tuesday and be available for Saturday’s start of training camp practices. McDonald had shoulder surgery during the offseason and missed all organized team activities and minicamp. “I’m 100 percent back; I feel great,” McDonald said after a Broncos’ community event in Parker on Monday afternoon. McDonald began working out “3 1/2-4 weeks ago,” with fellow defensive linemen Derek Wolfe, Domata Peko and Adam Gotsis. McDonald, 31, has 97 games of experience for Cincinnati, Seattle and Tampa Bay. Last year for the Buccaneers, he played 14 games and had five sacks while playing through the injury. He termed the surgery “non-invasive,” but it kept him off the field this spring. “This spring was hard for me – it was the first spring I was ever sidelined due to any kind of injury or illness,” he said. “It was kind of humbling, and in a sense, shocking, because I know the type of guy I want to be in Denver and I know what type of guy I want my coaches and teammates to see me as.” McDonald, who will play in a base 3-4 scheme after so many years in 4-3 fronts with the Seahawks and Buccaneers, never doubted he would be ready for the season. “The question was more, ‘When was I going to be ready?’” he said. “I’m thankful I’m done with the process.” Asked if he will need to be managed during camp, McDonald said: “I’m not sure. That’s going to (be up to) the medical staff and the doctors. As far as how I feel right now, I feel I can go and contribute.” More medical news. Right tackle Jared Veldheer (foot) is also expected to be available after missing the entire offseason program. Per the NFL Network, outside linebacker Shane Ray did not have his fourth left wrist surgery as scheduled last month. A league source said doctors in Houston examined Ray’s bone scans and determined a path of rehabilitation without surgery was the best course. Ray could practice this weekend. Only receiver Jordan Taylor (hips) could start on the physically unable to perform list. Rookies set to report. The Broncos’ rookies will report to training camp Tuesday. “Starting this week, it’s full-go until February,” receiver Courtland Sutton said. “You have to get your mind right and get going because it’s going to get serious.” Sutton was impressive during offseason practices after being drafted in the second round. He said he feels “pretty good,” with his comfort level of the playbook. “We had OTAs and minicamp plus this whole month, when we trained and studied the whole time,” Sutton said. “I kept calling it a ‘working vacation.’ I would work, but then I would get a little time off to myself.” Shopping spree. McDonald, Sutton, safety Justin Simmons, tailback De’Angelo Henderson and linebacker Bradley Chubb were among the players at the King Soopers in Parker helping kids from the Broncos’ Boys & Girls Club pick out school supplies. Twenty-five children had $100 gift cards to fill their carts. “It’s awesome just being able to come out and help out,” Simmons said. “A lot of the guys love to give back to the community and this is just one way we can help out.” Broncos position preview: No. 1 tight end role up for grabs to begin training camp By Kyle Fredrickson Denver Post July 24, 2018 It’s too early to tell which Broncos tight end will emerge as quarterback Case Keenum’s go-to option this fall. Here’s what we do know: That pass-catching, run-blocking void in Denver’s offense will likely be filled by a former Big Ten standout. Five of the six tight ends currently on the Broncos’ roster hail from the same college conference — Jake Butt (Michigan), Jeff Heuerman (Ohio State), Matt LaCosse (Illinois), Troy Fumagalli (Wisconsin) and Austin Traylor (Wisconsin). Then there’s Big Ten outsider Brian Parker (Albany). One of a series looking at the position groups for the Broncos heading into training camp. Today: tight ends. In recent years, the Broncos have gotten little production from the tight end position. Not since Julius Thomas hauled in 12 touchdowns in 2014 have the Broncos featured a dynamic red-zone threat at tight end. Butt appears to have the highest ceiling among the unit, though he has yet to play in the NFL. Had it not been for a re-torn right ACL as a senior in the Orange Bowl, Butt was projected by many as a second- round NFL draft talent. The Broncos landed him with the first pick of the fifth round, and after a season of rehabilitation, Butt is now at full health. “(Butt) wants the ball no matter what and I like that,” Keenum said. “I like a guy that comes back to the huddle and, ‘Hey, were you open on that play,’ and even if there were three guys on him, he’s like, ‘Yeah, you could’ve fit it in.’ He wants the ball and I love that. He’s hungry for knowledge, for how to run routes, for how to maneuver with leverage and I’m excited for him to continue to keep going.” Heuerman, a third-round pick in 2015, enters a possible make-or-break fourth season in Denver. He had just nine receptions for 142 yards and two touchdowns a season ago. LaCosse, Traylor and Parker are still green in their NFL careers and have combined for just 12 catches. Fumagalli, a fifth-round pick in April’s draft, faces a steep learning curve after groin surgery and might not be on the field anytime soon. No matter which player steps into the No. 1 tight end role, though, stability at quarterback should benefit the entire group. “Playing with three different quarterbacks and going week to week last year, it’s kind of tough sometimes getting into a rhythm and getting into the groove of things,” Heuerman said. “Hopefully with Case we can get into a good rhythm and build on that week to week.” TIGHT ENDS No. Player Age Year Ht./Wt. College 80 Jake Butt 23 2nd 6-6/250 Michigan 2017 team: Broncos Signed through 2020 Cap number: $555,234 Missed rookie season with a torn ACL in his right knee. Likely starter in Week 1. 82 Jeff Heuerman 25 5th 6-5/255 Ohio State 2017 team: Broncos Signed through 2018 Cap number: $875,203 Most veteran tight end on the roster despite only 18 career catches for 293 yards, 2 TDs. 83 Matt LaCosse 25 4th 6-6/255 Illinois 2017 team: Broncos Signed through 2018 Cap number: $555,000 Signed from the Giants practice squad in December. Played sparingly a year ago. 84 Troy Fumagalli 23 R 6-5/247 Wisconsin 2017 team: Wisconsin Signed through 2021 Cap number: $550,450 Sat out of OTAs and mini-camp after groin surgery. Won the John Mackey Award in college. 86 Austin Traylor 24 3rd 6-3/255 Wisconsin 2017 team: Broncos Signed through 2018 Cap number: $555,000 Signed to four different practice squads before landing in Denver. Had 8 catches last fall. 89 Brian Parker 26 3rd 6-4/265 Albany 2017 team: Chiefs (2015) Signed through 2018 Cap number: $555,000 Has not appeared in an NFL game since 2015. Signed a Broncos’ reserve/future contract in January. Want a shot at half-priced Broncos tickets? You have until tonight to register By Joe Nguyen Denver Post July 24, 2018 Broncos fans have until 10 p.m. Monday to register for a chance at landing half-priced tickets to this season’s home games. Ticketmaster is having potential buyers register with its Verified Fan program to help prevent bots from entering the purchasing process. Registering does not guarantee a ticket, but “it does make the ticket buying experience fairer by ensuring only other fans are competing for tickets,” according to the company. Single-game tickets for Broncos home games will go on sale at 10 a.m. Wednesday. Fans can only register for one of the games, and if selected to receive a code, there is a limit of four tickets per household. Tickets will be delivered to the buyer’s mobile device on the day of the game. A total of 2,000 half-priced tickets will be available for purchase per the operating agreement with the Metropolitan Football Stadium District upon construction of Broncos Stadium at Mile High.