St. Louis Rams Michael Sam released in final round of roster cuts

  Was not the sexual orientation of Michael Sam or operator "distractions" that led to his departure from the St. Louis Rams on Saturday - were the efforts of a teammate not recruited by a Division II college that Sam pushed the Rams defensive line rotation, considered by many to be the deepest in the NFL. Sam, who was trying to become the first openly gay player in the league to an active list, was selected in the seventh round in 2014 in Missouri after winning the Player SEC Co-Defensive of the Year award in 2013 10.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. Some speculated that his coming out affected his draft stock, but Sam does not project well as a pure pass rusher at the next level. He is more of a run-stopping end on the strong side.

And when the Rams signed West Texas A & M Ethan Westbrooks end to a contract as a free agent, things started to get more complicated for Sam. Westbrooks, who had spent two years in junior college before blowing up the Division II and get two catches in the East-West Shrine Game, it just seemed more robust at the point of attack against the run and pass. Westbrooks was better rated 4-3 defensive end Pro Football Focus' through the preseason and a closer look showed his tape to a player who was extremely fast off the pressure and use his strength and agility to plays on a consistent basis. He picked up his second sack of the preseason in the final of St. Louis against the Miami Dolphins, despite the fact that he was twice-is most of the time together.

"It looked like Ethan was making plays every time I looked, but I really do not see anything good or bad about Mike," said the head coach of the Rams, Jeff Fisher after the game. "Let's see the tape. But [Sam] played hard, and he has a lot of plays."

Sam had six tackles in the game. He had lost weight to get faster off the edge, and flashed from time to time, but Westbrooks was a better player and a better choice for the defense of Fisher.

Certainly, the release of Sam had nothing to do with his sexual orientation. When former NFL coach and current analyst Tony Dungy said he would not have drafted Sam because things have not gone entirely smoothly in the locker room of the team, the Rams rushed to defend his player.

"All of us in the draft room were aware of the magnitude of the decision, how it would be a pivot point in history," said general manager Les Snead. "Michael is the first, but somewhere in the future, guess what, he will only be a name for a child in middle school have to memorize. We will not think it's something special because it will be normal . "

Rams COO Kevin Demoff added that "if you're taking a leadership position by drafting Michael, expect that good and evil. We are prepared for it, and I think it will shine through."

Sam said after the Miami game that is sure going to make a list of the NFL somewhere, and that looks like an NFL player you might just have to start as a backup or in the squad practices. But there is a place for him in the NFL, and he finally found.

Aldon Smith lost nine games

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith has been suspended for the first nine games of the season for violating the policies of conduct and substance abuse personal NFL.

The All-Pro suspension broke in four games for violations of the substance abuse policy five games for violations of the personal conduct policy, one league source told ESPN's Ed Werder. Smith will be allowed to be at team facilities for meetings during the suspension, according to ESPN sources and multiple reports.

He will be eligible to return to the active roster on November 10 49ers team next game Nov. 9 against New Orleans.

"Our organization has known this decision would come, and we have prepared for it as a team," said 49ers general manager Trent Baalke said in a statement Friday. "Aldon has taken responsibility for his actions and continued to show a personal and professional growth.'ll Continue to support him, but it's time to put this matter behind and focus on next season."

Based on the duration of the suspension, Smith lost $ 1.24 million of his $ 2.34 million salary, reports ESPN analyst Andrew Brandt business.

Smith, who met with commissioner Roger Goodell the first week of August, was sentenced in July to 11 days work release in Santa Clara County (California). Court after his September 2013 arrest for drunken driving. It was his second arrest, such since entering the NFL in 2011 In addition, Smith had three felony weapons charges knocked down to misdemeanors.

Smith voluntarily lost five games last season, when he entered a treatment center for substance abuse. In October, in London, Goodell told reporters Smith aggressive approach to your problem could be considered if the proposed discipline is addressed, however, did not ultimately affects punishment, a source told Werder.

In April, Smith was arrested in an alleged fake bomb threat, but the prosecutor's office of the city of Los Angeles refused to press charges.

Smith, the No. 7 overall draft pick in 2011, has 42 sacks in 43 regular season games.Last season, Smith finished with 8 ½ sacks and 34 tackles in 11 games with eight starts.

Smith will return for a Nov. 16 game against the New York Giants. He will be eligible for both the 49ers games scheduled against division rival and defending Super Bowl champion Seattle - Week 13 at home and 15 weeks on the road.

The NFL announced Thursday that it will institute stiffer penalties for players who commit domestic violence

In a letter to the owners of the team, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodall said that the penalty for a first offense is a six-game ban under the personal conduct policy. Players who commit a second offense will be banned for life. ProFootballTalk Twitter that the new policy was announced domestic violence without the participation of the Association of NFL players. According to Albert Breer of NFL Network, Goodell can "act unilaterally" in the new penalties against domestic violence, as it is under the personal conduct policy in the league.

The NFL was criticized after giving Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice suspended for two games following an arrest for domestic violence during the offseason. Back in February, Rice allegedly beat her then boyfriend, Janay Palmer, during an altercation in an elevator casino in Atlantic City. Surveillance video showed him apparently unconscious dragging a elevator Palmer.

In the letter, Goodell admitted that he got the wrong punishment Rice.

"My disciplinary decision led the public to question our sincerity, our commitment, and if we understand that the number of domestic violence because so many families," Goodell wrote, through USA Today Sports. "I take responsibility of both the decision and ensure that our actions in the future adequately reflect our values. Well I do not understand. Simply put, we must do better. And we will."

NFL confirms one-year suspension for Browns WR Josh Gordon

More than three months after reports surfaced that the NFL was suspending Browns receiver Josh Gordon for a year for violating the substance abuse policy, the league confirmed that the suspension on Tuesday.

"I would like to apologize to my teammates, coaches, the organization of the Cleveland Browns and our fans," Gordon said in a statement through the NFLPA. "I am very disappointed that the NFL and its hearing office did not exercise better discretion and judgment in my case. I would like to sincerely thank the people who have been incredibly supportive of me during this challenging time, including my family, my agent, my union, my legal team, and the staff of the Cleveland Browns. "

Observe this line in Gordon's statement: "I am very disappointed that the NFL and its hearing office did not exercise better discretion and judgment in my case."

That has to come from the NFL decide the appeal of Gordon was not convincing. Gordon reportedly told the league that the positive drug test was the result of marijuana smoke second hand. He also noted that his sample "A" was not only a nanogram per milliliter above the threshold League 15 nanograms per milliliter, while the "B" sample measured below the threshold at 13.63.

Gordon was suspended for two games last year for breaking league rules - Gordon said he used a cough medicine containing codeine - but he still managed to lead the NFL in receiving yards. In May, however, it was reported that Gordon had failed another drug test and lose one year.

On Wednesday, the league confirmed.

"Appeals Officer Harold Henderson has confirmed the suspension of the 2014 NFL season for Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon violates the Program Policy and the NFL's substance abuse. Suspension is effective immediately," said the league said in a statement.

The Browns have to be concerned about the future of Gordon without the structure of the team around him, especially since he has failed several drug tests and was charged with a DUI this offseason.

Logan Mankins Buccaneers traded to Tim Wright, draft

The New England Patriots have agreed to negotiate guard Logan Mankins to Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a draft pick and tight end Tim Wright, according to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports. The initial report did not include the draft, but it looks like a fourth-round pick, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

The Buccaneers have some serious problems along the offensive line and have been looking for help all offseason. They have been mentioned as potential trade partners with the San Francisco 49ers for the right guard Alex Boone. Tampa recently negotiated for Rishaw Johnson, also a guard, and met with free agent Richie Incognito Monday.

Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht spoke to the media shortly after the trade was declared, and said the team feels "very lucky" that Logan is a "very good player" and that he is a "witness firsthand what it means for your wardrobe, "as reported by Greg Auman Tampa Bay Times. He also suggested that this trade does not rule out signing Incognito, as reported by Max Luckan 98.7 The Fan.

Mankins was a first-round pick by the Patriots in 2005, and has been named to six Pro Bowls and is a five-time All-Pro. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his last five seasons, and instantly give credibility to the Buccaneers offensive line.

Wright is entering his second season in the NFL after catching 54 passes for 571 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie. He is a stranger in the league, especially compared to a player like Mankins, but the Patriots are getting young talent with high potential ceiling in a position to appreciate.

NFL short tracker: Harvey Unga of BYU(Utah) Harvey Unga time as Jacksonville Jaguar was short

Harvey Unga time as Jacksonville Jaguar was short lived.

A little over a week after running back signed with the team on August 16th all-time at BYU, Jacksonville launched Unga and 10 other players Friday.

NFL teams are making cuts to get their lists to a maximum of 75 players at 2 pm MDT Tuesday deadline. After this first round of cuts, teams must reduce their rosters to 53 active players within 14:00 Saturday.

In his only preseason game with the Jaguars, Unga had five yards a carry as Jacksonville lost 13-12 to Detroit on Friday.

Unga was recently featured in a teaser for an episode that chronicles the journey of the NFL, which will be a part of the next round of NFL Network, "Undrafted."

"The NFL is not for anyone that is weak minded, I'll say that. If this was easy, everyone would be doing it," Unga said in the clip that aired Thursday night on NFL Network. The "Undrafted" series premieres on October 23.

"I have a vision," he said. "I have an idea of ​​what I wanted -. Feel, taste, to gobble it to me I think I've only scratched the surface."

Unga, who has made the transition to fullback in the pros, was a seventh round of the NFL supplemental draft pick by the Chicago Bears in 2010 From that year until early October 2013, he spent time in and out of Bears staff, mainly in the practice squad. Unga time was elevated to the 53-man active roster December 28, 2012, although he did not play when Chicago faced the Lions in the season finale.

Other places that have been cut so far:

R. J. Stanford, CB, Utah

Stanford veteran has his contract terminated by the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday. After spending the past two seasons with the Miami Dolphins, Stanford signed with Cincinnati in March. He has played in 41 career games of the regular season and has 39 tackles and an interception in four pro seasons.

Kerwynn Williams, RB, Utah State

Williams, sophomore running back who spent most of his time last year at practice squads for the Colts and Chargers, was cut by San Diego on Monday. He rushed for 10 yards and a touchdown in the first week of the preseason, but did not record any statistics in the last two weeks. That's a stark contrast to last year, when he had 169 yards rushing for Indianapolis in the preseason and started the season on the active roster of 53 players. Soon, however, he moved to the practice squad of the Colts before moving on to the practice squad of the Chargers.

Reggie Dunn, WR, Utah

Dunn, who was in his sixth NFL team in just his second year as a professional, was waived Monday by the Arizona Cardinals. He had a kickoff return of 14 yards and a punt return three meters during the preseason.

Cody Hoffman, WR, BYU

Hoffman, an undrafted rookie who signed a free agent contract with Washington, was waived by the Redskins on Sunday. Hoffman, who was three inches taller than any other receiver on the team in Washington, did not catch a pass and went only twice during the first three preseason games for the Redskins.

Joe Kruger, DE, Utah (Timpanogos HS)

The sophomore Kruger was waived by the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday. Kruger, who spent last season on injured reserve, had four tackles, one for loss input and an attempted field goal blocked during the preseason game. According to the release team about their cuts, Kruger fellow sophomore Brandon Bair man hung back on the template.

Tay Glover-Wright, DB, Utah State

Rookie Glover-Wright, an undrafted free agent who signed with Atlanta, was one of 10 players waived by the Falcons Sunday afternoon. Glover-Wright was listed as third string cornerback in Table latest team depth and had three tackles and one pass deflection in preseason game.

Michael Smith, RB, Utah State

Former Aggie was cut Saturday by the New York Jets. He signed with the Jets on August 1st, but did not play in any preseason game. He was released by Tampa Bay earlier this summer after being selected in the seventh round by the Buccaneers in 2012.

Rams QB Sam Bradford will get tears ACL Again, the 2014 NFL season will be lost

St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford injured his left knee in the preseason 33-14 victory Saturday over the Cleveland Browns, and other tests have shown that left a torn ACL and the entire 2014 NFL season will be lost . Chris Mortensen of ESPN was the first to report the news Sunday, citing sources, and Rams coach Jeff Fisher later confirmed it. Bradford also broke his left anterior cruciate ligament last year. Browns defensive lineman Bryant Armonty hit Bradford in the first quarter, and the former No. 1 overall draft choice lying on the ground in obvious pain. "It's very unusual," Fisher said, via ESPN. "There is a chance of 1 in 100 that something was going to happen was not a big impact,... ACL injuries are all different This was just sort of hyperextension with the impact from the outside knee was closed with key, and something has to give. Unfortunately, ACL gave. "Bradford, 26, lost nine of 16 games last season with a knee injury. He recovered completely and is expected to wear a Rams squad improved formidable NFC West, but veteran backup Shaun Hill is now the favorite to start. From the media Ian Rapoport NFL informed by a source, the Rams have some interest in Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback Mark Sanchez, who played for St. Louis offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer with the New York Jets. San Luis has not made ​​the playoffs in nine consecutive seasons.

New Orleans' regular season opener: Saints looking for more production from Toon

Discussions between Toon and Brees during the years 11-in-11 Thursday focused on the fact that the receiver to flatten the angle of your cut by half as much as Brees expected, based on the defensive coverage. Toon angle was too deep, forcing him to slow down and back behind him to make the pass.

'' I know he can be a real productive guy for us and be a big contributor "," Brees said when asked about the exchange with Toon, adding that it is often more effective to deal with the cross-ups implemented immediately rather than waiting to take it in movie theaters or meetings.

'It has to happen in practice, in a live stage, where you can come out and say,' Hey, I want you to see what I see, and this is the setting, this is the little nuance that is kind integrated in this game. '' '

'I have a great comfort level with Toon,' Brees said. 'But that is always growing. '"

Toon, the son of former New York Jets All-Pro Al Toon, was selected from Wisconsin in the fourth round in 2012, however, he was slowed by a foot injury during the preseason and the Saints put on injured reserve, ending his rookie year.

Last season, Toon was healthy, but played only intermittently. He appeared in eight games with four starts and had four catches for 68 yards and no touchdowns. He also had several drops. A pass that bounced off the hands was intercepted in the loss to the New York Jets, and rarely played after that.

Early in training camp, Toon seemed to be emerging as one of the most effective in training camp receivers. But after Brees was injured a muscle in his abdomen and sat out for two weeks earlier this month, Toon was on the receiving end of a smaller number of passes during full team drills. It also has not been prominent in the first two preseason games of the saints, making four catches, none more than 6 meters.

Now, however, Brees is back in practice and planning to start preseason game Saturday night in Indianapolis. To Toon, a strong performance could help you carve out a regular role in a game reception probably revolve around Saints receiver Marques Colston all time and star tight end Jimmy Graham.

So Toon saw it as a good sign that he was wanted Brees in practice, and taking an active role in the discussion of his route running with it.

Denver Broncos look great in the preseason, but it's still only practice

The Denver Broncos have looked fantastic so far during the preseason. But people have to realize that we're talking about practice, not the regular season.

The Broncos dropped the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks in Week 1 of the preseason 21-16. In week 2 he embarrassed the San Francisco 49ers 34-0. These were impressive wins against quality opponents, but still practical.

Denver quarterback Peyton Manning is smart enough to realize this because of its semi-rant after practice with the Houston Texans. Manning knows that Denver defensive schemes that saw them both come to Seattle and San Francisco during the regular season, therefore, what is so hard for the Broncos' offense after practice.

The same problem can be said on the defensive side of the ball for Denver. It's not like Seattle and San Francisco actually tried to pound the ball down the throat of Denver and dominate games as they did in 2013 too, the Broncos just saw a large part of what Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernick are capable of both Seahawks and 49ers.

Most importantly, the Broncos left San Francisco healthy. Now, amid the preseason week 3, is it really the right time for the runner Montee Ball to return to practice and may play Saturday night? They also seem to be rushing things Denver linebacker Von Miller, who is recovering from a torn ACL.

You can not judge that will be great in the NFL during the preseason game. The only things that are important is building chemistry and avoid injury. Denver has been shown to have a very deep team in 2014 is the responsibility of the Broncos now to keep this team intact because a risky move may derail the Super Bowl.

Be impressed with Denver so far. However, remember that only practice and the results of these games will mean nothing once the regular season starts.

Broncos running back Montee Ball returned to practice Tuesday

The Denver Broncos have one more piece of their offense back on Tuesday Montee Ball at running back returned to practice, just two weeks after he had an appendectomy.

Ball did not participate in team drills, but participated in some individual work. It was the first time the ball had been in training camp with the team since having surgery on August 4 with the team many had hoped ball to return to practice on Tuesday, but he is still a sign of significant question for Saturday's game against the Houston Texans.

"Montee nails to bite back out there," said Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning. "He's doing everything he can."

After the appendectomy, the ball stays out of the first two preseason games of the Broncos - wins over the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers. At least some of the owners of the Broncos are expected to play on a medium preseason game Saturday night against Houston, but at the moment the ball is not expected to be one of them.

Usual Broncos usually do not play in the fourth preseason game, so as it stands right now the next game ball could very well be the first game of the regular season Sept. 7 against the Colts Indianapolis.

Ball was tabbed as the No. 1 team back as soon as the 2013 season ended. The second-year back, who had 559 yards rushing as a rookie last season, had worked with snacks throughout the offseason program and the team's training camp before his appendectomy.

Also Tuesday held the Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders out of practice, again with a hamstring injury. Sanders was held out of practice on Friday as well, and did not play in Sunday's game against the 49ers.

Johnny Manziel requires only one finger to express their frustration Monday night

The Washington Redskins edge shined corridor money hand gesture of his teammate Ryan Kerrigan Manziel then fired him late in the first quarter of 24-23 loss to the Browns at FedEx Field.

It was only a matter of time before an opponent held a great move fingers rubbing against Manziel how quarterback did on stage the night he was drafted in New York.

The Redskins repeatedly interrupted the product of Texas A & M, who responded with a middle finger salute in the third quarter.

Sacked three times, said he saw Manziel Orakpo imitating his movement.

"I did not even realize it," Manziel, who finished 6-of-17 for 65 yards and a touchdown said. "I was really in tune with myself and more upset about the first play on that drive not to let the ball fly to (tight end Jordan Cameron) came as low. I kind of hesitated, and when you hesitate things close . "

Orakpo told ESPN that he and Kerrigan had discussed money if flashing the gesture Manziel looted. Kerrigan, who had two sacks, resisted the temptation.

"I thought about it, but that's not good," he said.

Orakpo found another hand gesture of Manziel, which drew rebuke from Browns coach Mike Pettine, pretty funny.

"It was fun," he said. "We were Messing with it a bit, just saying that this is not college and stuff like that. Were having a little fun.

Dominant Manning to Denver's win over 49ers

Manning threw a touchdown pass of 17 yards to Julius Thomas and dominated in his two series, leading the Denver Broncos past the San Francisco 49ers 34-0 on Sunday to spoil the debut in the NFL in the stadium sparkling $ 1.2 Levi billion.

"It was a good start. That's all it is, however," Manning said. "We still have some things we need to improve."

The 38-year-old Manning, who begins his 17th season after throwing for an NFL record 55 touchdowns last year, completed 12 of 14 passes for 102 yards and a rating of 120.8. He was 8 of 8 in the second unit of Denver, then backup Brock Osweiler took over and threw for a touchdown and led to another touchdown in a preseason game the last two losers of the Super Bowl.

Colin Kaepernick was September 5 for 39 yards in two series before a sellout crowd in eye-catching new team accommodation in the heart of Silicon Valley. San Jose Earthquakes of Major League Soccer defeated the Seattle Sounders in the first sporting event stadium on August 1.

Demaryius Thomas had three catches on the opening drive of Denver, including a 20-yard gain. That gives Thomas 10 receptions for 89 yards in two wins against Denver powers NFC West, Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco.

"Coming last year, losing the Super Bowl as we did, entering OTAs I think everyone had a different mentality," said Demaryius Thomas. "You can see older guys, new guys. Our main activity was to go out and be able to turn and stop guys like defense. If we stop, we will stop ourselves."

CJ Anderson ran for a 1-yard touchdown, while Matt Prater kicked a field goal from Mitch Ewald 26 yards and added a 22-yard afternoon. San Francisco usually spot on Phil Dawson two long shots sailed wide right.

Denver did on defense, too, getting two interceptions and a fumble recovery, and a goal line stand to end the game. The Broncos recovered another fumble on special teams.

"It was a great moment for our defense," said defensive lineman Marvin Austin. "It's very hard to put a goose egg in a preseason game."

The 49ers lost Antoine Bethea to a concussion early in the second quarter. He was able to walk on their own, but later went to the locker room.

Denver linebacker Lamin Barrow limped off early in the second half with a leg injury, then lost to Broncos tight end Gerrell Robinson to a knee injury.

As San Francisco has problems at all stages, tens of thousands of fans went out midway through the third quarter - certainly help alleviate traffic concerns. The 49ers ended a run of four decades at Candlestick Park last season.

"We have to tighten this down fast," said coach Jim Harbaugh. "We have work to do, no doubt about it."

Two key members of San Francisco's offense made ​​their first appearances of the preseason, with Frank Gore ran for 9 yards on his first two carries. Wide receiver Michael Crabtree also appeared as defensive stars Patrick Willis and Justin Smith were given the day off.

Broncos cornerback Kayvon Webster missed the game after spraining an ankle during Saturday's practice. Denver was as thin as Chris Harris Jr. returns tearing his left anterior cruciate ligament during the playoffs.

Kaepernick had their chances during his brief stay in the field.

On third and 4 from the first unit 37, Kaepernick just ousted Brandon Lloyd in the end zone. Dawson then missed his first field goal attempt in the new stadium, sending a 55-yarder wide right. He missed all right again from the other end into a 44-yarder to end the first half, and they were not in the unpredictable elements Candlestick.

The 49ers are no goals in his last seven quarters and have been outscored 57-3 in the preseason. They lost 23-3 in Baltimore on August 7.

"It's the preseason, but it means something," said left tackle Joe Staley. "Scoring Points is the name of the game, and have not. ... It will be a real test this week to see how to recover from this."

Denver Broncos faced difficult odds

The Denver Broncos are the preseason favorite to win the Super Bowl XLIX this season, but they face 20 years of poor odds.

From Super Bowl XXVIII in 1994 (the 1993 NFL season), no team lost the big game has even returned to the Super Bowl the following season, let alone won.

The Broncos were embarrassed by the Seattle Seahawks, 48-3, in Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium last season.

Peyton Manning, quarterback of the Broncos 13-3 recorded career numbers, including a record 55 touchdown passes NFL. Denver's offense is experienced, and although the defense Robert Ayers lost to the Giants in the offseason, the Broncos pass-rusher DeMarcus Ware picked, safety TJ Ward and cornerback Aqib Talib.

The Broncos seem primed for success in 2014.

However, in the previous 20 seasons nine Super Bowl losers failed to qualify for the playoffs next season. A failure rate of 45 percent. Among the six teams before the Broncos went 13-3 in the season they reached the Super Bowl two were lost the playoffs next season.

During this period 20 season, only two teams have reached their championship game of the conference season after losing the Super Bowl: New England Patriots in 2012 (after losing to the Giants in the Super Bowl 2011 season) and the San Francisco 49ers in 2013 (after losing to the Ravens in the Super Bowl season of 2012)

Manning has seen this before. In 2009, the Indianapolis Colts went 14-2 and lost to the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV. Next season, the Colts went 10-6 and lost to the Jets in the wild-card game.

Championship Odds Denver are not impossible, however. Since the 2008 season, the five Super Bowl losers returned to the playoffs the following season. It is a radical change from the previous 10 years, where only two teams did.

Danny Trevathan will miss 6-8 weeks

Denver Broncos linebacker Danny Trevathan has a fracture just below the joint in his left knee and will miss six to eight weeks, the team announced Tuesday.

Trevathan, who had an MRI after he was taken off the field during practice Tuesday morning, suffered a medial tibial fracture impaction. He will not go under the knife.

"I told my ACL and MCL are fine, but has a broken knee," ESPN's Josina Anderson Trevathan said. "The doctor told me he would be out four to eight weeks, but I said four to six. I'm not shooting.'m Going to recover. I am a soldier."

Trevathan fell to the ground in search of a running game for a full computer simulation in the fully padded practice of the Broncos. It was unclear where Trevathan made ​​contact with another player, but backup center Will Montgomery rolled over the top of Trevathan when the two hit the ground.

Trevathan immediately grabbed his knee and was down for several minutes before being taken to the locker room.

"He has an impact fracture, which is basically a crack in the top of the tibia," 'said head coach John Fox of Broncos after practice Tuesday night. "They're saying four to eight weeks. Could have been a ligament injury and all that kind of stuff, it was not."

The third-year linebacker, who led the Broncos with 124 tackles last season, is one of the most important players on the defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio schema.

Trevathan, playing on the weak side of the defense of the base, is a three-down player at the position with enough force to fill the gaps in run defense and enough speed and athleticism to work downfield in coverage pass.

"Obviously it's a vital part of our defense," Fox said.

Earlier in training camp, Trevathan said he hoped to break as a potential Pro Bowl player in the scheme of the team.

"I just grind every day to be everything I can be," he said then. "I set goals that are too high because I believe in what I can do. I just want to prove it."

Fox said Brandon Marshall, who was on the practice squad Broncos during most of 2013 and Lamin Barrow and rookie Corey Nelson, would get some looks in the coming weeks as the Broncos try to replace Trevathan . Marshall took snapshots Trevathan on defense Tuesday.

"You hate to see him," said quarterback Peyton Manning. "Danny is an important part of our football team."

Trevathan had a scare in the week before the game last season against the Dallas Cowboys on October 6 he was taken off the field during practice after suffering a knee injury, but an MRI revealed no significant damage and played against the Cowboys.

Denver Broncos Camp Report

Linebacker Von Miller, who ACL broke into the victory of the 16th week of the Broncos over the Houston Texans last December, proceeding towards the full return. When training camp opened Miller was essentially limited to the individual exercises to go with a little extra work on exercises sevens. But it has been adding more exercises with each passing team, including Monday, when the Broncos were in full pads practice. Miller probably means way to participate in team drills, when the Broncos have the Houston Texans in town next week for three days of practice before the two teams play Aug. 23 at Invesco Field at Mile High. It also means that Texans game should be the first look at what the defense looks like Miller and DeMarcus Ware in the same formation.
A drill is built sevens routinely favor the offense no pass rush and plenty of work space for receivers, but backup quarterback Brock Osweiler still had a particularly fruitful session worth noting in practice, releasing two touchdown passes to Nathan Palmer, who spent some time on the practice squad last season the Broncos and a touchdown pass to undrafted rookie Bennie Fowler - all three came in the red zone work. The first Osweiler touchdown pass to Palmer, he dropped it into the back right corner of the end zone on the outstretched arm of cornerback Tony Carter. Again these exercises are generally inclined towards crime, but the shots were accurate and timely.
Pass-catchers The Broncos also had some specks in the day as Palmer fumbled in one period but Isaiah Burse and Fowler dropped catchable passes in drills one-on-one. Pro Bowl tight end Julius Thomas and Pro Bowl wide receiver Demaryius Thomas dropped passes also plays they normally do. Demaryius Thomas Fall 'came after a statement dramatically shaking cornerback Jerome Murphy in the backfield, but could not hold onto a pass from Peyton Manning.
The Montee corridor Ball said it would be "about a week 'before I could do some light jogging on his return from an appendectomy. And his prediction was correct in a week to the day of surgery Ball is allowed him to do some light running Monday Though there is still a chance he would play in the third preseason team -. against the Texans - the schedule still appears will be to keep him out of the preseason games and he began to open Sept. 7 against the Indianapolis Colts.
Odds and ends: With wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders get the day due to a hamstring injury - played 20 plays in the first preseason game last Thursday night - Demaryius Thomas and Andre Caldwell aligned as the two external receivers with the entrees. Rookie wide receiver ... Cody Latimer proved once again the combination of speed size Broncos wanted when he was elected in the second round in May. Manning hit him for sewing in one-a-like Latimer outran rookie cornerback Bradley Roby. Defensive end Malik ... Jackson first and then deflected a pass intercepted in team drills, ... Former Broncos Brian Dawkins and Jason Elam were in practice Monday.