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Monday's camp box

Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News

Published August 7, 2007 at midnight

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Three is no charm

Coach Mike Shanahan flashed some anger at the offense, guard Chris Kuper in particular, during the morning practice.

After seeing Kuper give up what he said was the second-year player's third sack of the workout, Shanahan ordered him out of right guard spot in the starting offense and put in Montrae Holland. Holland remained with the starters for the rest of practice.

"On the third sack, we made a change," Shanahan said. "We've got competition at a lot of positions, so when a guy gives up three sacks in one day sometimes you make a move to see how the other guy responds."

Scare for Moss

Broncos rookie defensive end Jarvis Moss last week was ticking off the things he wanted to accomplish during his first NFL training camp.

Things such as "learn the defense" and "get ready to help in any way I can."

But when he was about to finish the list, he added "and just get through it all healthy and feeling good and ready to go."

Moss had the first injury scare of his young professional career Monday when he twisted his left knee during the morning practice. The rookie was going against reserve tackle Jacob Rogers in one-on-one pass-rush drills.

As Moss tried to spin to the inside to give himself some room to work, his left knee buckled some and he tumbled to the ground. The training staff kept an obviously uncomfortable Moss on the ground for several minutes as his leg was examined before taking him to the locker room.

Moss was sent for a magnetic resonance imaging exam and the Broncos said early indications were Moss had not done any significant structural damage.

"I'm good, the MRI checked out," Moss said. "It kind of scared me for a minute, I felt like it was something real serious. But I'm fine. I'm going to rehab (Monday night) and, hopefully, I can go (this) morning."

Rogers said he didn't really see the injury happen, but he turned to see Moss on the ground.

"I did a spin move and my cleat got stuck," Moss said. "I didn't know what was going on."

Moss, who the Broncos selected with the 17th pick of the draft in April, has been working at the right defensive end for the most part and was placed by the coaches as the backup there behind Ebenezer Ekuban on the first depth chart released Monday.

"Jarvis has done a good job . . . ," coach Mike Shanahan said. "He's just got to get stronger and in better shape, like most rookies. He's been doing the job here the last couple months."

Surprise, surprise

The first formal depth chart of training camp often can bring a surprise or two.

Last year, it was running back Mike Bell showing up as the No. 1 running back ahead of Tatum Bell and Ron Dayne that raised some eyebrows. Bell went on to make the team as an undrafted free agent and finish with 677 rushing yards during his rookie season.

This year, the biggest surprise came at linebacker, where Louis Green was listed as the starter at the highly competitive strong-side spot.

A surprise to Green as well, who has not yet lined up at the position in team drills.

"Those are coaches' decisions; I'll line up wherever they want me to . . . ," Green said. "Hopefully, during the preseason I'll get a chance to play there."

Green suffered a bruised left knee Saturday and was held out of Monday's work. He said he was scheduled to work on the strong side during the morning practice Monday had he been on the field.

Nate Webster, D.D. Lewis and Warrick Holdman, who is out after suffering a bruised spinal cord, have taken of the snaps with the starters.

"I know in this league you have to be able to play every position," Green said. "All I can do is stay positive and get on the field and show what I can do."

Daily highlights

Cornerback Champ Bailey leaped high in the back of the end zone to break up a pass intended for Brian Clark during the morning practice.

John Lynch thumped running back Mike Bell during scoring-zone work.

At one point during the morning practice, Mike Shanahan chided linebacker Nate Webster for an extra shove after a big hit, saying "That's a 15-yard penalty guaranteed in a game."

Two players who started games on the defensive line last season, end Kenard Lang and tackle Demetrin Veal, are working with the third-team defense at times. Lang started 16 games last season; Veal played in 16, starting one.

The team went inside the South Suburban sports complex for its afternoon practice because of storms in the area. The Broncos started practice at their Dove Valley facility but moved inside when there was lightning in the area.

Linebackers Wesly Mallard and T.J. Hollowell each had interceptions during the afternoon practice.

Injury report

Tight end Tony Scheffler, who has not practiced as he tries to return from a broken left foot he suffered during the team's May workouts, said he is close to returning to the field, possibly as soon as today. Scheffler would have to formally be removed from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list before he could practice. He was not taken off the list Monday, but he could be moved this morning if the team wants him on the field.

The Broncos continue to say Brandon Marshall, also on PUP with a left thigh injury, is close to returning to practice.

Receiver Brandon Stokley was held out of drills during the morning, but he practiced during the afternoon.

Defensive end Tim Crowder twisted an ankle during the afternoon practice.

Walker interview

Receiver Javon Walker, who has not spoken publicly about Darrent Williams' murder, has done an extended interview with HBO's Real Sports, which is scheduled to air Aug. 14.

Walker said last week, in his first public interview locally, he only would answer "football questions."

Walker was in the limousine with Williams and several others in the early- morning hours of New Year's Day when Williams was killed in a drive-by shooting.

Several teammates and coaches have said Williams died in Walker's arms.

Numbers game

3 is running back Mike Bell's spot on the team's first depth chart, behind Travis Henry and Cecil Sapp. Bell was listed No. 1 at the position last year on the first depth chart of camp.

Rest up

Tackle Adam Meadows was given the morning practice off. In the afternoon, several players were give the practice off, including center Tom Nalen, tackle Matt Lepsis, guard Ben Hamilton, defensive tackle Sam Adams, defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban, safety John Lynch and cornerback Champ Bailey.

He said it

"That first week we have to grind it out. It feels like each day is three days, but I think this week will go a little faster."

Jay Cutler, Broncos quarterback, on entering the second week of training camp.

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. It's a special-teams only workout, so it will not include the full roster. Gates open at 2:40 p.m.

Wednesday: The Broncos will hold two full team workouts. Morning practice starts at 8:30 a.m.; gates open at 7:30. The afternoon practice is scheduled to start at 3:50 p.m.; gates open at 2:50.