Broncos report: Poole back in Denver

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published August 13, 2008 at 2:17 p.m.

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The long and winding road that is Tyrone Poole's career took another detour Wednesday when the 1995 first-round draft pick from Fort Valley State signed with Denver, where he last played in 2002.

He replaces Christian Morton, who was cut. Poole joins the Broncos after stints with Oakland (2006), New England (2003-05), Denver (2002), Indianapolis (1998-2000) and Carolina (1995-97). He was out of football last year after being cut by Houston.

"It's a wild ride in a good way. I've got two Super Bowl rings," Poole said. "That's like saying I've been to Europe, Italy, China. If you call that a wild ride, then I want that ride. I've had a great, great career. God's been good to me."

Poole has some work to do to get into the regular rotation. He started on the third team at right cornerback Wednesday but, in the morning workout, nearly intercepted a pass intended for Cowboys receiver Mark Bradford.

Poole, 36, insisted Denver coach Mike Shanahan wouldn't have brought him in if he didn't believe he could help Denver win. And he professed to being in top shape. "You look at Darrell Green," Poole said, referencing the newly enshrined Hall of Fame cornerback. "The guy was 40-something years old still running a 4.2-(second) 40 and could still play. It's basically about how you keep yourself in shape. It's like keeping up a car, or wine getting better with time."

Sage advice

Cowboys quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson played much of his 18-year career after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

So it was natural that Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler met with Wilson before Wednesday morning's practice about his experiences with the disease.

"He said it was manageable, just like I have been doing for the last four or five months," Cutler said. "He went through his career with it, and I don't see any reason why I can't."

Cutler added he believes he's managing his diabetes well right now.

He has been wearing an insulin pump near his left triceps during summer practices to deal with his blood-sugar needs but has vowed to play in games without the device.

Welcome back

A familiar face dropped by Broncos practice for the first time this summer.

Rod Smith has kept busy with a construction project in Monument and other real-estate deals during his now-official retirement, but the former receiver was invited to practice by several Broncos players.

"They texted me in the morning to say, 'Wake up,' " Smith said, adding with a laugh, "I was already up."

Smith admitted he missed being around Dove Valley on a daily basis and that "I've forced myself to stay away."

Any future position with the Denver organization right now is on hold.

"I just like being able to come back and give the guys tips here and there, help them out and go home," Smith said. "The thing is there's nothing I wouldn't do for this organization, but right now I'm transitioning and trying to spend a lot of time with my kids."

Smith was asked about the enormous size on Dallas' roster, especially compared with Denver's group.

"They say everything's big in Texas, and those dudes are pretty big," he said, adding, "but I'll take these guys on this side of the field any day."

Waiting game

Running back Ryan Torain stood out among the media throng assembled for practice, sporting a large cast and sling on his surgically repaired left elbow.

Torain, who was pushing for significant playing time when he was injured last week, expects to move to a brace next week that allows him to begin his rehabilitation program.

But the swelling in his arm must dissipate before that can happen.

Overall, his recovery is expected to take three months, which would mean the earliest he could return is after the bye week, Nov. 2, when nine games will remain.

The Broncos front office likely will wait until the final cutdown to decide whether to keep Torain on the active roster or put him on injured reserve, ending his rookie year.

Torain knows his vote: "I feel like if they give me a chance, I'll be able to do big things."

The fifth-round pick out of Arizona State had turned heads enough during his time in camp that coach Mike Shanahan compared the first impression he'd felt to previously watching Terrell Davis as a young back.

"That's a huge compliment," Torain said. "I have to take that to heart and use that to drive me to keep working harder and come back faster."

Numbers game

7 full days of workouts and Denver's exhibition opener missed by safety Hamza Abdullah before he returned to practice Wednesday. His starting job wasn't waiting for him, though, as Marquand Manuel continued to share time with Marlon McCree at defensive back.

Etc.

* Placekicker Matt Prater missed only once in nine field-goal attempts between 33 and 48 yards, chunking a 43-yarder wide right.

* Wide receiver Clifford Russell made a solid impression in the morning workout with two deep receptions, the second a diving grab. Brandon Marshall also continued his solid camp with several receptions in the team period. But it was largely a struggle for both Broncos lines.

* Former Broncos safety John Lynch, granted his release earlier this month, was in New England visiting the Patriots, who are shorthanded after losing Tank Williams to injury. Lynch nearly signed with New England before coming to Denver as a free agent in 2004.

* Tickets remain for Saturday's Cowboys-Broncos game and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets.

• August 13, 2008

  8:39 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Broncody writes:

  I like the addition. Adds depth in case Foxworth has to go back to safety and a good dime package. If he still preforms at a high level good job front office.... Wonder if the guys working for the Broncos could show the Nuggets front office how to deal.

• August 14, 2008

  12:47 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  rwlightburn writes:

  Why did they cut a guy who had 7 tackles and a sack in the last game? He is also younger. Hope that was not a mistake.

• August 14, 2008

  3:01 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  OPETH72 writes:

  Rod Smith is the definition of class. Class seems to literally pour out of him. Any team would be lucky to have him on their side, playing or just merely standing and watching. He makes me proud to be a Broncos fan. Thank you Rod..................

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