Spinal cord concussion hospitalizes Holdman

Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News

Published August 3, 2007 at midnight

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Surrounded by teammates and coaches as he was tended to by the team's medical staff, Broncos linebacker Warrick Holdman was taken by ambulance from practice Thursday morning and was scheduled to spend the night at Sky Ridge Medical Center in Lone Tree.

During an 11-on-11 team drill, Holdman moved up to make a tackle on running back Mike Bell. Bell lowered his left shoulder, hitting Holdman near the top right side of his helmet. Holdman's neck was bent somewhat awkwardly and he fell to the ground.

Holdman then "went numb for 30, 40 seconds," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said.

The team's medical staff and paramedics strapped Holdman to a backboard and he was taken to the hospital with what team officials said was a spinal cord concussion.

The ninth-year linebacker had feeling and movement in all his limbs - he also initially put his knees up when trainers rolled him over onto his back. He was taken to the hospital and kept overnight for observation.

He underwent several tests.

"We all know it can happen in this game," Broncos defensive tackle Gerard Warren said. "It's part of the game, the risk. You just try to be a professional in how you deal with it."

"You never want to see that kind of thing happen to a teammate or anybody in this game," cornerback Dré Bly said.

Safety John Lynch said the injury gave him flashbacks of former linebacker Al Wilson's neck injury Dec. 3 against the Seattle Seahawks. Wilson, who still is hoping to return to football next season, was taken off the field on a backboard after some numbness in his limbs.

"And I thought about Al when they were taking him on the cart," Lynch said.

Wilson played the next weekend, but the Broncos released him in April.

The Broncos finished practice after Holdman was taken to the hospital.

"We all know the risk about playing this game," Shanahan said. "And, obviously, when something happens like that, you're hoping it's just temporary."

The Broncos, with several players already dealing with injuries, canceled the afternoon practice.

Holdman is among the players trying to win the team's strong-side - across from opposing tight ends - linebacker job. He signed with the Broncos as a free agent during the offseason and has been a starter for Washington, Cleveland and Chicago during his previous eight years in the league.

Feel the rush

Former Broncos linebacker Jashon Sykes, who was released at the end of training camp in 2005, is set to enter his second season as assistant director for on-campus recruiting for coach Dan Hawkins' University of Colorado staff.

He also is spending this camp with the Broncos as part of the NFL's minority coaching fellowship program and hopes to eventually return to the league as an assistant coach.

"It's the next best thing to playing football," Sykes said. "I've been around this game since I was an infant. It's my love and my passion. I love coaching guys up and seeing guys get better every day. You get the same rush from winning and losing."

Sykes played two seasons for the Broncos before getting released. He went into coaching after he remained unsigned following workouts for Seattle, Washington and Miami.

"Honestly, when I left here, I thought I'd get picked up by someone and have a long career, but it doesn't always work like that," Sykes said. "You can't play forever."

Time off

The Broncos gave defensive tackle Sam Adams practice off Thursday. Adams underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee during the offseason and the Broncos say they want to make sure he is ready to play in the regular season.

"We know he can play the game," Shanahan said. "When he played in the first couple of practices, he was impressive, but we don't want to overdo it."

Daily highlights

Safety Hamza Abdullah upended running back Andre Hall during drills.

Receiver David Kircus drew howls from teammates with his block on cornerback Domonique Foxworth in run-game work. Kircus knocked off his own helmet on the play.

Foxworth later drew cheers for coming across the field and chasing down a wide-open Quincy Morgan to save a touchdown during 11-on-11 drills.

Morgan made a diving catch between Foxworth and Dré Bly during a seven-on-seven passing period.

Rookie defensive end Tim Crowder was credited with a sack - the linemen just touch the quarterback during training camp with no contact allowed - of Jay Cutler early in practice. Kenny Peterson was credited with a sack of Cutler during team drills before the end of practice.

Referee Pete Morelli and his crew attended practice and are scheduled to work the team's practices through Saturday.

Numbers game

5 -yard penalty for any player who spikes or throws the ball after a play has ended, one of the new rules this season. The penalty does not apply to touchdowns.

He said it

"Always great to feel wanted. It was eye-popping, really. Coach (Mike) Shanahan kept saying when I got here I would love it, and he's right. I fell in love with the atmosphere, the sun and I look forward to making this home for the next five years and add something to this team."

Dré Bly, Broncos cornerback, on what he has thought of living in Denver so far.

Injury report

Defensive tackle Demetrin Veal left the morning practice after being poked in the eye. "He should be all right, but it's quite painful," Shanahan said.

Defensive tackle Marcus Thomas was held out of practice because of a sore right calf.

Receivers Marquay McDaniel (left hamstring) and Glenn Martinez (right thigh) and tight Chad Mustard (right hamstring) were held out of practice for the second consecutive day.

If you go

Today

The Broncos will hold two practices. Morning practice starts at 8:30 a.m.; gates open at 7:30. Afternoon practice starts at 3:40 p.m. (special teams only, so it will not include the full roster). Gates open at 2:40 p.m.

Saturday

The Broncos will hold two full-team workouts. Morning practice starts at 8:30 a.m.; gates open at 7:30. The workout is expected to include a live goal-line period. The afternoon practice is scheduled to start at 3:50; gates open at 2:50.

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