Pittman provides veteran insurance
By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Michal Pittman is considered a solid receiver in addition to be a strong running back.
The Broncos are bringing in the big guns.
Running back Michael Pittman, whose hefty biceps put many a buffed NFL player to shame, is on the cusp of joining the team's backfield as a free agent on a one-year deal.
But forget the physique. The Broncos believe their backfield now has more muscle, especially with Travis Henry still nursing a hamstring injury.
"I know I can play. I've got a lot of games left in me," said Pittman, who missed six games last season with a severe right ankle sprain and must pass a physical this morning before officially signing. "I may be 32, but I feel more like I'm in my 20s."
Pittman has played 10 years for two teams, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the past six. He has carried the ball 200 times on three occasions, including during his time with the Arizona Cardinals from 1998 to 2001, but he's versatile as a runner, receiver and blocker.
"I plan on making the team," said Pittman, who has 8,707 scrimmage yards in his career as well as kick-return experience. "I don't plan on taking over anything. I'm just here to help."
The Broncos have been in contact with the running back's agent since before the draft, and the scouting staff gave Pittman high marks for his recent play when healthy. Pittman said his ankle is 100 percent healed and he's able to practice fully.
One player who definitely won't be carrying the football soon is Henry, whose status is independent of the Pittman signing but is a move, regardless, that adds depth.
According to Broncos coach Mike Shanahan, Henry will miss the rest of this week, meaning the projected starting back will have been absent for the entirety of quarterback camp.
Henry could return for June team camp, if his healing progresses, but hamstring injuries can take as long as three to four weeks to resolve.
Second-year pro Selvin Young has been running with the first team the past two weeks.
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May 27, 2008
5:03 p.m.
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incognitoboy writes:
wow. more retreads when we just got a couple of new tires.....
4.2 yds per carry last year is decent enough, i guess, but trading a tweaked hammy for a high ankle sprain is kinda 6 of one/half dozen of the other, isn't it?
*sigh* ....... here's hoping.
May 27, 2008
5:19 p.m.
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coptalker writes:
At this point in the season, it's good to see a little more competition at all positions. I think it's a little early to write off Henry for the season, but it looks like Coach S. isn't going to wait around for lingering injuries to heal. Can't wait for football to start!
May 27, 2008
5:52 p.m.
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myerda00 writes:
CT, you got it right. Shanahan will not put up with reocurring injuries this year. I hope Torain is the real deal and the Broncos can cut both Henry and Pittman. Young may have a great year.
May 27, 2008
6:10 p.m.
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SteveC writes:
I'll be the first to admit that I don't know much about Torain but I think if Selvin Young can stay healthy he could be something special. I think he's a little light and might get hurt playing with the big boys, but if he's healthy....watch out! Between the two of them,hopefully we can dump Henry and Pittman and keep the two younger backs and stop going through running backs like there's no tomorrow.
May 27, 2008
6:37 p.m.
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BMat writes:
Michael Pittman?!
I laughed so hard my i-pod sized insulin pump just squirted all over my keyboard !!!
Pittman? Woooo-Hoooo!!!!
May 27, 2008
8:38 p.m.
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Spider writes:
If they would have signed Pittman in his prime it wouldn't have got my blood flowing. Signing the 32 year old version does absolutely nothing to get me excited. Hope the youngsters come through, since it doesn't look like the veterans can cut it.
May 27, 2008
10:13 p.m.
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phillib writes:
Keep in mind gang, he still has to make the final roster. This isn't an awful signing. He provides some depth and veteran knowledge at multiple positions not just tailback. We still need help on special teams and he might be able to provide some. He's a guy who finds a way to stick every year and that's not a bad thing to have on the roster with all the youth we have. We'll see more signings like this heading into training camp.
May 28, 2008
2:14 a.m.
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SE7EN writes:
This reminds me of the time we signed Garrison Hearst. A guy who is way past his prime in Running Back years. You can never have enough RBs on the roster I guess, but I'm guessing that two or three guys will have to get injured before Pittman will get into the game.
May 28, 2008
8:28 a.m.
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bronc4evah writes:
As prone as Henry is to injuries, this low risk signing has to be seen as a plus. Other teams are bound to have running back injuries as well and the talent pool will get pretty shallow. We might as well have a back up that can start preparing now in case Henry's health proves to be his downfall.
May 28, 2008
8:40 a.m.
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CUBUFFINSUNDEVILCOUNTRY writes:
Being an ASU Season Ticket holder living down here ( give me a break fellow Buufs. My Wife is an ASU alumnus. ) You will be pleasently surprised of Torain. I told my wife last year at a game he reminded me of TD, especially when ASU implemented Zone Blocking. His only issue, dropping the ball in NON PRESSURE situations.
May 28, 2008
9:22 a.m.
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TheeDude writes:
Pittman is a diamond in the rough.
He will either press the rookies to their potential, or he will be the starter.
May 28, 2008
2:44 p.m.
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BMat writes:
I would suggest anyone that DIDN"T get convicted of trying to run over his wife and child in an SUV.
May 28, 2008
4:57 p.m.
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R8R_H8R writes:
OLd Yeller; Any negative comments you read (slowly) from me are the result of too many seasons of getting my hopes up high (like you) and being kicked in the face as the season neared its end. Shanahan brought 2 Superbowls. I was thrilled after suffering through blow-outs and staying strong. But since then, he has repeatedly made the same stupid mistakes. Idiotic blunders that any moron could learn from and adjust. I can understand bringing in an injured player a time or two who has shown a ton of potential. But year after year after year? The Defensive Line has been just as bad as a Line can get for too many years now. And dont' get me started on Jake Plummer! Who's dumber? Talk about a bone-head that makes the same mistake again and again and again! and is the laughing stock of the NFL players, fans, coaches, and commentators! That was the WORST era of Denver Bronco Football. I am THRILLED we have Jay Cutler, not pretty boy Leinart or over-rated V-Young. And have been since draft day. But the re-hashed, poorly repaired, often replaced D-line, and the constant change at running back, have been the downfall of this team. Enough is enough. It's not that hard to figure out the mistake and move on. You'd think.
May 28, 2008
5:18 p.m.
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BMat writes:
Why did the RMN run a picture of the new guy fumbling?
May 29, 2008
12:26 a.m.
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BMat writes:
Do you think Michael Pittman wears number 32 in solidarity with other convicted domestic violence perps?
No? Just a coincidence? Yeah - that's what me and Ron Goldman's dad thought.