Alexander likes crowd

Tight end is hopeful he will be part of the mix

Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News

Published August 31, 2007 at midnight

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Give me five. It's the mantra in the Broncos' tight ends room as final cuts approach.

Daniel Graham is a lock for the roster. Nate Jackson has had a strong camp. Mike Leach is the long snapper. And Tony Scheffler is a valuable piece in the passing game, although he's still working his way up the depth chart after foot surgery.

That leaves an intriguing decision regarding 10-year veteran Stephen Alexander. He hasn't played much in preseason, but that has been by design.

"He hasn't gotten a lot of reps but we know what S.A. can do," assistant head coach Mike Heimerdinger said after the Broncos completed a 2-2 preseason with a 21-3 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. "He's a great leader for us. He can play a couple positions. He always will do the right things. It's been more seeing what Nate can do and getting Tony back in football shape before we go to Buffalo."

Alexander, 31, was among the few experienced players running with the first-team offense against the Cardinals. He lasted just more than one quarter before leaving the game with what was announced as a bruised lower left leg.

Alexander said after the game he hurt his calf when he was kicked in a melee after cut blocking on a running play.

And while Alexander's playing time ended up being limited in the preseason, he said he's happy with the way his summer has gone.

"With the few opportunities I've had, I feel I've made the most of it," he said. "I think I've done well. But, obviously, it's their call."

As for the prospect of the Broncos keeping five tight ends, Alexander believes the entire group has a good chance of sticking.

The tight ends have another potential body at the position in Chad Mustard, who recently was moved to tackle because of a slew of injuries.

"I would definitely like to be here," Alexander said. "I was 100 percent in the offseason program. And then to go through all the coaching sessions, the minicamps, all of training camp and the amount of work I've put in, it would be a total waste if I went through all that stuff and didn't make it. But there's nothing I can do."

Alexander sought out Broncos coach Mike Shanahan to clarify his position on the team shortly after Graham signed in free agency. At the time, he was assured there was a spot for him, especially in two tight-end sets where a pair of solid blockers are needed in the run game.

He hasn't been led to believe anything's changed recently.

"It's tough," Scheffler said. "We're a real close group of guys and I think that makes it easier. At the same time it's hard. We're all fighting for positions and that sort of thing. There's a lot of talent in that room. And I think any one of us can play. It's going to be tough for the coaches. Obviously, Daniel's the man. But there's a bunch of guys pretty close behind him."

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