ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — After an offseason of practicing without their young star running back, the Broncos will have Phillip Lindsay for the start of training camp Thursday.
"Lindsay is ready to go," Broncos head coach Vic Fangio said at his training camp opening press conference Wednesday. "Obviously, we’ll ease him in. He didn’t have the offseason work."
Lindsay has been sidelined since suffering a right wrist injury in a Christmas Eve game at Oakland. He underwent surgery and missed the Pro Bowl he earned through his 1,037 yards rushing on 5.4 yards per carry. He also watched from the sidelines during the Broncos’ OTAs and minicamp in May and June.
More good health news: Emmanuel Sanders, who paired with Lindsay to become the Broncos’ top two offensive threats last year, will practice on a limited basis. He has been down since suffering an Achilles tear in a practice entering the Broncos’ 13th game last season. Sanders had 71 catches for 868 yards through 12 games last season – a 16-game pace of 95 catches and 1,157 yards.
"Emmanuel looks good," said Broncos general manager John Elway. "He’s not going to go on PUP, he’ll start practicing from Day 1. Obviously, we’re going to work him in slowly."
The Broncos will have backup tight end Jake Butt for the start of camp. His reps will also be monitored as he’s coming off his second ACL injury in three years.
Burbridge retires
Drew Lock showed up late. Veteran receiver Aaron Burbridge didn’t show up at all. Every year, it seems, the thought of reporting to the drudgery of training camp causes a player who realizes he’s a longshot to hang ‘em up.
It was Burbridge this year. He had a history with Broncos’ first-year offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello in San Francisco and followed him to Denver on a futures contract in January.
Despite a solid offseason, Burbridge through his agent notified the Broncos on Wednesday that he was retiring. The Broncos waived him and are expected to soon sign another player.
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