Broncos camp report: Wiegmann prepared to start on bench

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published July 29, 2008 at 3:10 p.m.

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Photo by Barry Gutierrez / The Rocky

Casey Wiegmann, right, stands next to Tom Nalen during practice Tuesday. The two are battling for the starting center job.

It's hard to say which has been a bigger adjustment for Casey Wiegmann after seven years with the Kansas City Chiefs: the blocking scheme, or the color scheme - wearing the blue and orange he stared at across the line of scrimmage for so long.

"It's strange, and it isn't. When I first signed here, the first thing I thought of was Neil Smith," Wiegmann said Tuesday, referring to perhaps the most successful Kansas City-Denver convert. "Hopefully I can duplicate what he did and win a couple Super Bowls. That would be nice. But it's a job and you've got to do what you've got to do."

Long gone are the days when going to a fierce division rival was frowned upon, even if the recent rumors are true that Al Davis tried to prevent Raiders running back LaMont Jordan from signing with the Broncos (and Patriots), despite having released the player.

"I think it was that way back in the day. . . . But I've got a few friends who left the Chiefs and went elsewhere and ended up coming back and beating them. That's kind of what I've got in mind, too," Wiegmann said. "(Ex-Chiefs safety) Greg Wesley went to the Raiders. It's just what happens."

So, too, is the realization that sometimes one has to take what he can get.

With the Chiefs, Wiegmann started 111 straight games, the longest active streak among NFL centers and third among all linemen from 2001 to '07. In Denver, his path to the first team is blocked by Tom Nalen, who's entering his 15th year but coming off a season-ending biceps injury and June knee surgery.

Wiegmann did run with the first-offense Tuesday as Nalen was given the first of what will be periodic off-days every few practices to keep him fresh. But there's a good chance Wiegmann's starting streak will end in Oakland in the season opener Sept. 8.

"I've been in that role before," he said of his potential backup status. "And I knew what my role was coming in there."

So, then, Wiegmann was familiar with Nalen before signing? Rookie Kory Lichtensteiger, upon his introduction in April, at one point mistakenly called the Broncos longest tenured player, 'Don Nehlen.'

"Yes," Wiegmann said with a laugh. "I knew who Tom was."

Action Jackson

In two-tight-end formations, Nate Jackson has been paired with Daniel Graham ahead of Tony Scheffler. Jackson also has gotten first crack as a slot receiver in certain spread formations.

"Nate is ahead of Tony right now, but it's the beginning of training camp," tight ends coach Pat McPherson said. "And in my mind we're getting the same amount of protections, run blocks and routes. They're all in one big group right now."

Jackson missed the final three months last season with a groin injury but took advantage of his offseason opportunity when Scheffler had lingering foot issues.

"Ideally, we push each other and we can both - as well as our running backs and receivers - have our talents used accordingly," Jackson said. "We all have something to offer the team."

Split decision

Fullback Peyton Hillis sat out for the second straight day because of a pulled left hamstring he suffered while trying to cut after a reception near the end of Sunday's morning practice.

For a rookie seventh-rounder trying to make an impression, Hillis admitted it's a difficult decision - wanting to hide the injury and try to plow through, or coming clean to the medical staff so he can heal properly.

"It's hard to give up, since you're a competitor, love football and want to be on the field," he said, adding he feels the weight of his absence. "Inside, you kind of want to play through it no matter what it takes, but the other half of you thinks if you keep playing through it, it's going to be worse."

Hillis expects to miss only a few more days.

Fullback for hire

With Hillis sidelined, Michael Pittman has been taking second-team reps at fullback behind Cecil Sapp. It's a position that's almost entirely foreign to Pittman, a career halfback, but he's nonetheless been "getting some great talk" from coaches and players at his fill-in efforts.

"If I'm lead-blocking the majority of time, it's from split backs. But Peyton's hurt and they asked me to fill in. It's not a natural position for me. . . . I'm a little undersized to be a fullback at 223 pounds, but I'll give it my all."

Etc.

* Punter Sam Paulescu averaged about 51 yards on his eight attempts during the morning session, his second punting period of camp.

* Darrell Jackson has had better days. The veteran receiver twice fumbled the ball on reverses, had his helmet knocked off by cornerback Karl Paymah and, after missing an assignment, was chewed out by passing-game coordinator Jeremy Bates.

* Safety Marlon McCree intercepted Patrick Ramsey on a rollout pass to end the four-minute drill featuring both second units.

* Niko Koutouvides returned to starting middle linebacker, as the coaches continued his two-day on and off split with Nate Webster.

* Cornerback Dre Bly continued his strong camp by batting away a pass to end the move-the-ball period. Receiver Brandon Marshall caught a touchdown pass for the No. 1 offense.

• July 29, 2008

  5:26 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Broncos4Life1 writes:

  Have the Broncos thought about putting Weigman at guard? Since we seem to be pretty thin at that position, could he adjust to it? Plus if and when Nalen retires or gets injured, Weigman could probably step right in at center. He seems to definitely offer some flexibility and options.

• July 29, 2008

  5:37 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  bigbadthor writes:

  I am guessing that they are hoping the kid Lichtensteiger will back-up at guard, but I agree that we are thin at guard, Holland is way too fat, and who knows is Hamilton will recover from the concussions, those are always scary and have ended a lot of careers, you look at what happened to Mike Webster, and you definately don't want to push it if you have damage already.

• July 29, 2008

  8:09 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  CourtneyBrown98 writes:

  i think the broncos are exploring all options right now. and indeed if Hamilton cant play Weigman will be able to fill in. All of a sudden the Broncos have gotten younger on both ends of the ball. I wonder though? will they start Peterson over Mckinley? Where is Cecil Sapp? Why isnt he filling in at fullback instead of Pittman? I think Pittman would probadly be a great fullback if he puts on a little weight. We have too many options this year. that could be a bad thing too because it will be harder to decipher who's better. I guess the preseason will determine that.

• July 29, 2008

  8:55 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Highcountry writes:

  If you read the story, you'll see Sapp is running with the first team. Pittman is filling in for Hills, who runs with the second team.

• July 30, 2008

  midnight

  Suggest removal

  jsantani writes:

  You don't have a legitimate running back and McFadden is going to run all over you for years to come. The Broncos have officially moved behind the Raiders and will remain in the cellar for years to come as the Chefs have had a solid draft as well. Your owner's unrelenting loyalty to Shanahan has brought havoc to your program. You will not see the playoffs for years to come!

• July 30, 2008

  6:20 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  dilligaf writes:

  Boy every year we have to hear how the Raiders are going to run all over us. And every year they still s--k. You would think by now they would wait until it happens before they make fools of themselves. (Please go look at the results of the head to head games we have played over the last 20 yrs and get back to me)

  As anybody seen or heard how Boss Bailey is doing? I think we should be counting on this guy.

• July 30, 2008

  8:48 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  T1anda writes:

  Are the Raiders to illiterate to have their own blogs?? Is that why jsantani is here bashing the Broncs?
  
  Santani..... learn to read poor fella! This is the Rocky Mtn News you've stumbled upon. I know it will be difficult, but ask your mommy if she CAN find someone in the Oakland newpapers that will play with you!!!

• July 30, 2008

  9:14 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Jojowalk writes:

  The Raiders have a rookie QB (yes he's a rookie QB) and a rookie RB and they're going to do what? That makes me laugh!! Raiders in the cellar again. Take care of things in your own back yard first... Just look at your owner. Now isn't that a nice sight?! I'll take Bowlen over Davis any day and I'll take Shanahan over Davis' puppet any day also!! Get out of the cellar and then pop off!!

• July 30, 2008

  10:08 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  mexcellent writes:

  What was the score of the last Raider vs Bronco game? Just curious....

• July 30, 2008

  10:35 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  tnip23 writes:

  jsantani, the raiders don't have a legitimate rb, wr, qb, o-line, fan-base, head coach, or owner. al's lack of loyalty to shanahan and gruden and unrelenting loyalty to himself brought havoc on your team a long time ago, and despite one win over denver last year, it ain't getting any better any time soon. The cellar is your home, although you might need to clear some space for the chiefs to join you.

• July 30, 2008

  10:41 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  aragornzxl writes:

  The last tiem the broncos played against the raiders, the broncos were seriously hurt. No matter how much i try not to hate the raiders, seriously, you cant but not expect much from them this season. Russell is big, as in big deal. Culter runs circles around that dude. javon Walker is not going to help, especially with him on the side-line. YUour rookie RB Mac Fadden is just a rookie, and with the ways Peterson ran up the years last season, you can bet the teams wont allow Fadden to do the same. Besides, they ahve absolutely no offensive line. their defense stinks and in all, the chiefs have a better chance of catching the Broncos tahn the Raiders.

• July 30, 2008

  10:44 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  hdfresh writes:

  Wait till the Faiders reach at least a .500 record maybe in the 2011 season and then their fans can open their mouths. Till then I don't want to hear anything about being in the division cellar when the black and silver have a permanent reservation there.

• July 30, 2008

  10:58 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  RustyWon writes:

  People.
  The best thing to do when some over-served idiot joins the discussion (at midnight no less) is to ignore them.
  We shouldn't be drawn into a discussion about his miserable team that hasn't won anything since his father was sitting in his own feces back in 83.
  I think the Broncos have had a quiet but productive offseason, and I expect that we'll be back in the playoff hunt.
  I'd even go so far as to say that we could contend for the division title if we can split with san diego this year.
  The raiders and chiefs will occupy the cellar again.
  Very familiar territory for them.

• July 30, 2008

  12:35 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  R8R_H8R writes:

  15 yr. vet Nalen lasted all of 5 minutes on the field today before hobbling off with a bad knee. Souds like it's a darn good thing we have Wiegmann waiting in the wings. I dont think he'll be on the bench the way Nalen is looking.

• July 30, 2008

  1:12 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  jsantani, That is the most absurd thing I've ever read. If your IQ could be 2 points lower, you'd be a tree. So, we have no RB yet? So what? We have plenty of talent and I imagine by the start of the season, on that 1st game, it will be the last time we have to hear from a Traiter fan who likes to spend his time on a Denver Bronco blog, reading about what the Broncos have done, because he is scared of what he already knows, but is afraid to admit it. And that is simply, that you will again be in the celler and we will be going to the playoffs. You read Bronco news because you're nervous. Or a "closet Bronco fan". McFadden is a rookie. What has he done in the NFL, yet? Where do you get the idea that your Faders have moved ahead the Broncos? Your record clearly doesn't show that. You are spouting off unfounded statements. Keep dreaming, son. Then some day, wake up.

• July 30, 2008

  1:31 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  mexcellent, so you one one game. So what. We still own your LA Raide..., er, Oakland Traite... er, Oakland Faiders. Look at the record. I wouldn't start your celebration just yet.
  dilligaf, Boss is doing very well. He's caught on quick, and is fitting in very well. He's excited (of course, playing for Detroit would have been similar to having to play for the Raiders) to be with the Broncos and he's practicing hard and learning the new system (as are all the defense).
  jsantani, you stated the Chiefs had a good draft? What draft were YOU watching? Even should they get a good draft, they have a coach who can't get it done for them. Get a clue. Better yet, get a brain.

• July 30, 2008

  1:33 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  mexcellent, I meant to type, so you've "won", one game. Don't want to fall into a spelling haze like a Traiters fan.

• July 31, 2008

  1:13 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  angryman1n writes:

  Practice? Practice? We're talking about Practice. Dre Bly gives all in Practice.

  Too bad that attitude doesn't spill over to the game.

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