Broncos report: Nalen's surgery gives Wiegmann reps

The Rocky

Published August 20, 2008 at 1:52 p.m.

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He said it

"Invesco (Field) is where we play. It's in a way our stadium. So, it's sort of a moment in history, obviously, that we're going to be proud of, and respectful to, that happening. As far as the Democrats and Obama are concerned, they've got a nice big venue to do that in. And I'm happy for that, too."

Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, on having the nation's attention on his team's stadium for Barack Obama's acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention.

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The news that center Tom Nalen will undergo an arthroscopic procedure today on the left knee that has bothered him throughout the summer makes it more likely Casey Wiegmann will be in the lineup for the Broncos' Sept. 8 opener.

Coach Mike Shanahan expressed hope the "clean out" Nalen will undergo should have him ready by Week 1.

But even if all goes as planned, Nalen has been sidelined since the beginning of August, not counting two light, mostly non-contact practices this week. And though he has been doing

rehabilitation and weight-room work, his on-field conditioning is likely behind his teammates'.

Nalen's extended absence has had one side benefit: Wiegmann has had ample opportunity to get acclimated to Denver's scheme with the No. 1 unit after spending the past seven years with the Kansas City Chiefs.

"Just getting used to all the terminology and communicating with the other linemen and the blocking scheme, it's been good for me to get in there with the starters and learn the ropes," Wiegmann said Wednesday.

Denver opens the regular season with AFC West rivals Oakland and San Diego in the first two weeks.

Wiegmann doesn't need a crash course in the division, because he has started 111 straight games, many in the AFC West, which is fortunate for Denver at a position responsible for making the offensive line calls.

Shanahan called Nalen's surgery "more preventative than anything else," since the veteran player "hasn't healed the way we like."

Nalen, who declined comment Wednesday, underwent surgery on the same knee to repair torn cartilage in June but was back for training camp. He lasted only four practices.

He previously had surgery on his left knee in 2002 to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

"There is something in there. We don't know what it is, and hopefully it's just a little cleanup," Shanahan said.

Plan B?

Eddie Royal was anointed the starting returner for kickoffs and punts from the moment he was drafted in April.

But now that he has burst on the scene at receiver, that decision might have to be re-evaluated.

"He's still in our plans. And I think it really shows the maturity of the guy that the game's not too big for him right now," special-teams coach Scott O'Brien said. "We have to do our job to get him going on that. Down the road you never know."

Denver went through a similar scenario in 2005-06 with Darrent Williams, who became the starting cornerback and ultimately ceded kickoff-return duties but stayed on punts.

"You've got to be ready for both situations," O'Brien said, adding that he feels particularly comfortable with his options on kickoff returns right now. " . . . Ultimately it comes down to what decision Mike makes is best for the team."

Litmus test

In the two preseason games in which the starting defense plays the most - vs. Dallas last Saturday and Green Bay on Friday (7 p.m., CBS 4) - the Broncos face two of the NFC's powerhouse offenses from 2007. The Cowboys were fourth in total yards; Green Bay was second.

If nothing else, it can help serve as a gauge of where Denver's first unit stands, even against vanilla preseason looks.

"Dallas is a powerful downhill team, and now we're playing Green Bay, who'll throw the ball a number of times and run zone," linebacker D.J. Williams said. "So you get a good look early in the year of every type of offense."

Opening eyes

The Broncos have been known to use their fullbacks as a red-zone pass-catching weapon through the years, from Howard Griffith to Patrick Hape in an H-back type role, to Kyle Johnson.

Rookie Peyton Hillis might not only continue that tradition but could expand upon it the way he has caught the ball since coming back from a hamstring pull.

"I wouldn't lie. Personally, I think Hillis could fight for the best hands on the team," running back Andre Hall said. "In the running back room, I can't fight with him. I'm going to give him a run. But he's probably got the best hands among the running backs."

Hillis set University of Arkansas records among running backs as a senior for receptions (49) and receiving yards (537). His talents were often used with him aligned as a slot receiver.

Cecil Sapp still is running as the starting fullback but might eventually get pushed for that job once Hillis is conditioned fully and gets a total handle on the offense.

"I'm loving Hillis," Hall added. "He don't really care. He'll hit whoever, and he keeps driving. Most guys hit and twist and turn their body. Hillis hits it right down the middle and is going to continue to drive throughout the entire play."

Etc.

* If cornerback Champ Bailey is having any troubles with the hamstring problem that sidelined him before his return this week, he didn't show it Wednesday when he jumped high in the air to bat away an end-zone pass during red-zone drills. Bailey is expected to get his first preseason action Friday, when the starters will play into the third quarter.

* Tickets for Friday's game against the Packers are still available through TicketMaster.

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Comments

August 20, 2008

2:23 p.m.

Suggest removal

Broncoflow writes:

Bummer........
August 20, 2008

2:54 p.m.

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kmeissner writes:

I'm thinking he's not going to play very much this season. Hopefully he will though. It'll be a sad day when Nalen retires.
August 20, 2008

3:56 p.m.

Suggest removal

gylizard1 writes:

If the Broncos don't use a first round draft pick on a Center to anchor the line next year..they are asking for trouble..be sad to see Nalen retire..he is one gutsy performer..but lets not count him out yet...he is as tough as they come.
August 20, 2008

4:29 p.m.

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leon writes:

lizard,
how often does any team draft a center in the first round? Almost never. In what round was Nalen drafted? Did you notice that we drafted a center in the last draft? The Broncos knew that Nalen was iffy this year. Sadly but fortunately...Center is one of our deepest positions.
August 20, 2008

4:31 p.m.

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coachk writes:

You all are forgetting that Hamilton was drafted to play center but then got some time at guard and the rest is history. If the former Chief does not work out they will just move Ben over to center move Kuper back to left guard and put tubby opps I mean Holland back in a right guard. He has his weight down and played quite a bit last weekend.
August 20, 2008

4:39 p.m.

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Dusty_Piniella writes:

Great, just great.
August 20, 2008

4:43 p.m.

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areyoukidding writes:

leon,
only 6 centers over the past 20 years have been drafted in the first round. lizard must bee a few bricks short of a full load. draft a center in the first round? Nalen was a 7th round pick himself.
August 20, 2008

5:08 p.m.

Suggest removal

bloomdog writes:

Ladies and Gentlemen,
it's a simple cleanout procedure.
Nalen, once again, has avoided training camp, like all linemen try to do.
He'll play well and all season, unless he tears another muscle.
knee cartlidge is easy to play with.

Broncos 12-4, AFC West Champions, AFC Champions, Super Bowl vs. Dallas......mark it!!
August 20, 2008

5:46 p.m.

Suggest removal

Dynamicdave writes:

bloomdog, I like your style. I was saying 11-5 but 12-4 is not entirely unreasonable. I haven't been this excited in our offense for some time. As for Nalen, he's a warrior. He'll be back. But, for all those morons who bash Shanahan for his picks in free agency, I bet your glad we have Wiegmann, huh? Foresight. We also have Hamilton and we drafted Lichtensteiger, out of Bowling Green State. He's 6'3" and 295. Just the right size. We'll be fine.
August 20, 2008

5:48 p.m.

Suggest removal

platoro79 writes:

Hey, Stink had his knees operated on about 200 times in his career and still played. There's a chance Nalen will be okay, hopefully.
August 20, 2008

7:12 p.m.

Suggest removal

Cutler6 writes:

Yea, the broncos won't need to draft a center in the first round. Jeez they drafted one in the fourth round this year who was in the running for the Remmington award. Bronco fans sure can panic and go irrational awful quickly, again Nalen is 37 football players don't play forever.
August 20, 2008

7:17 p.m.

Suggest removal

Cutler6 writes:

He'll play well and all season, unless he tears another muscle.
knee cartlidge is easy to play with.

So, Bloomdog, you've played with a knee issue recently. So, come forward are you really Rod Smith.

There sure are alot of experts in Denver. I am a huge Bronco fan myself, and I know there is alot of build up and anticipation for the season to start, but can everyone hold their water and predictions until at least the 3rd game of the season?
August 20, 2008

8:46 p.m.

Suggest removal

Spider writes:

If it's just a cleaning procedure he'll be back to make a strong contribution for this season. I'm betting that both Nalen and Wiegmann will more than hold up the fort until Lichtensteiger is groomed and ready to start.
August 20, 2008

9:08 p.m.

Suggest removal

Dynamicdave writes:

Cutler6, heck no, why wait. I go into the season, postitive and with predictions. If I go in saying "let's wait and see", then it shows I have doubts. I have no doubts. Denver is going to the playoffs.
August 20, 2008

10:35 p.m.

Suggest removal

FTR writes:

I think Nalan will return! When is a question? I do have a question for all the Bronco fans. Who has had the most surgerys. Nalan or Bishop (spelling?)
FTR
August 20, 2008

10:55 p.m.

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FTR writes:

Oh and do not forget Mark Schlereth!
FTR
August 21, 2008

12:20 a.m.

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rwlightburn writes:

DynamicDave and Cutler6. I am sorry to say it would not be a PREDICTION if you waited to the 3rd game of the season. That is like a fortune teller saying wait until I look into my crystal ball before I predict what is going to happen. Go Broncos all the way to the Super Bowl.
August 21, 2008

7:35 a.m.

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Dynamicdave writes:

rwlightburn, I already made my prediction. 11-5. Cutler6 was the one who said wait until the 3rd game, not me. I already predict Denver in the playoffs. I also think they will win the division.
August 21, 2008

8:56 a.m.

Suggest removal

BroncoRick69 writes:

Nalen should just go ahead and retire. As a matter of fact, I predict he will. Damn good job that he's done, but when it's time, it's time. 2 years ago everyone was afraid he would retire then. I think it was after the AFC championship game that we lost. At least now we have people to replace him.
August 21, 2008

6:53 p.m.

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OPETH72 writes:

We will be fine at center. Whether Nalen returns and stays healthy or not. And if you want a prediction, I will give you one:19-0. Pre season predictions are generally useless. Unless I am right. Which I believe I am. So if I am going to make one, at least you will know I am biased, haha. Every year I scan through numerous football publications and the predictions I see crack me up. You other guys have more realistic predictions, obviously, but the possibility is there, so I will stick with mine. Scoring 38 a game could do it. And I like this offense right now. Also, we need to find a punt returner now. No way does Shanahan put his star-receiver-to-be out there in that situation. Not on a regular basis, anyway.
August 21, 2008

8:24 p.m.

Suggest removal

Dynamicdave writes:

OPETH72 I noticed Shanahan has putting Hall and Royal back there, so we'll have to just wait and see. You never know what's going on in the head of Mike Shanahan (I meant that in a good way, ha, ha).

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