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Broncos report: Raiders' Walker a mystery to both teams

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published September 4, 2008 at 4:20 p.m.

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Raiders receiver Javon Walker, a former Bronco, has the respect of Denver cornerbacks Dré Bly and Champ Bailey.

Photo by Eric Risberg/Associated Press

Raiders receiver Javon Walker, a former Bronco, has the respect of Denver cornerbacks Dré Bly and Champ Bailey.

Middle man

With Tom Nalen (knee) out Monday night, the Broncos' Casey Wiegmann will extend the longest active starting streak in the NFL among centers. He also will remain in the top three among offensive lineman.

Player, team, pos.: Starts, Years

Jon Runyan, Philadelphia/Tennessee, OT: 176, 1997 to present

Jeff Backus, Detroit, OT: 112, 2001 to present

Casey Wiegmann, Kansas City/Broncos: C, 111, 2001 to present

He said it

"I think he's the best player on offense. When I look on film, he's a dynamic player. To be honest, I'm glad he's not playing because he presents a lot of problems, even as good as our corners are."

Lane Kiffin, Raiders coach, on Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall's suspension for the opener.

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There's some question, even within the Raiders organization, just what to expect from Javon Walker.

The Broncos' cornerbacks are anticipating the best from their former teammate, who hasn't been getting rave reviews this offseason.

"Whatever condition 'J-Walk' was in during camp, he's going to be better for our game, I can assure that," Dre Bly said. "Having a chance to go against us and the way it ended here, where he wasn't happy with that, I'm sure he's looking forward to that."

Walker is listed as questionable on Oakland's injury report with a hamstring injury. He is expected to start despite the fact he was limited in practice Wednesday and didn't practice Thursday.

"I'm expecting the guy who had 1,200 yards back in Green Bay . . . because he's got that kind of ability," Champ Bailey said. "As long as he's healthy, he's good."

Walker had a 1,084-yard receiving season in 2006 in his first year with the Broncos then got hurt in 2007, beefed about his role within the offense, then was released in late February.

Walker since has received a lucrative contract, a beat-down in a suspicious incident in Las Vegas and various pot shots from Raiders coach Lane Kiffin, about the receiver's conditioning and preparedness for a No. 1 role.

"That's just how his career's been," Bailey said of Walker, whom he helped recover mentally after the receiver witnessed Darrent Williams' death. "But he's overcome all that every year and he goes out and has a good season, so I don't think that distracts him at all. I think he thrives on it."

Bly not only has squared off with Walker in Broncos practices, but also for three years in the NFC North, when Bly was with the Detroit Lions and Walker with the Packers. They share an agent and are friends.

"It seems like bad stuff always finds 'J-Walk,' and he's not a bad guy," Bly said. " 'J-Walk's a good guy, a nice guy. He might be a little spoiled, but, at some point, we're all spoiled. It was unfortunate what happened to him this offseason, and I'm sure he's looking forward to moving forward and starting the season."

Mix in the Oakland-Denver rivalry while facing Walker on national TV and, Bly said, "It's what everybody wants to see right here."

Field trials

The Raiders have some dirt on the Broncos.

Because of the Oakland Athletics' ongoing baseball season, the infield at McAfee Coliseum will be exposed, which could cause some problems with footing and kicking attempts.

It's the first time since the 2000 season the Broncos have faced this setup in the Bay Area.

"You have to adjust everything," Broncos center Casey Wiegmann said, calling the anticipated torn-up field "another obstacle" to deal with. "You don't want to slip and have somebody go by you."

Broncos equipment manager Chris Valenti noted there will be different cleat options available to the players, but they generally stick to their preferred gear.

Kicker Matt Prater noted the dirt for him could be problematic on his plant foot on field goals from 38 yards on out. He'll test the clay during pregame warm-ups to see if it's soft from watering and he needs to make any adjustments, or stick with his usual shoe if the ground is hard.

Ready, young man

As a rookie, Peyton Hillis had to grow accustomed to a new team, scheme, coaches and city. He also weathered a hamstring injury that shortened his first pro training camp.

"I feel if I could get through that, I can adjust to anything."

Now Hillis has another adjustment to make - to the starting lineup.

The release of Cecil Sapp, which became official Thursday with his injury settlement, has put the onus squarely on Hillis, the only natural fullback left on the roster.

Hillis (6-foot-2, 250 pounds) has gotten high marks for his aggressiveness attacking linebackers as a blocker, but he also is a skilled receiver, which should come into play as the season progresses.

"The Lord put me at this point for a reason, and I'm ready for the situation," he said.

Etc.

* Right guard Chris Kuper had his cast removed after X-rays before the preseason finale in Arizona showed his broken right hand sufficiently had healed. Kuper, who initially suffered the injury July 25 on the first day of training camp, plans to wear a piece of plastic and tape as a support for his hand Monday night.

* Running back Anthony Alridge, on injured reserve after a solid preseason, will find out in about two weeks whether he needs surgery to repair an injury in his left foot. Alridge said the current timetable he has been given is eight to 12 weeks. But that recovery time will change markedly, instead lasting several more months, if he needs to have it repaired.

* Strong-side linebacker Boss Bailey (sprained right ankle) pronounced himself ready to play Monday night after having no ill effects from his first full practice in about a month Wednesday. Bailey's role remains to be seen. It's possible Denver could choose to play Bailey in the nickel to ease him in. Jamie Winborn has been starting since Bailey was hurt Aug. 9. "I'm sure you can expect to see both of us out there," Bailey said.

* Denver also reached an injury settlement with tight end Brett Pierce.

Comments

  • September 4, 2008

    4:33 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    coachk writes:

    I am exctied about Hillis. It is about time we have a REAL fullback. Lots of talk about his backup Larson being a linebacker but it is great if we can get 3 jobs out of a single player a backup on offense, defense and probably a starter on special teams.

    I am betting with the way we have been throwing in preseason we dont have a fullback on the field as often and if we have one back it might not always be our tailback. If you have someone like Hillis, you can have him pick up the blitz and if none comes slide out for the drop off pass. I dont think many dbacks will want to take down a 250lb load.

  • September 5, 2008

    8:02 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    SE7EN writes:

    I'm also excited about Hillis. He seems to have a good attitude and the kind of player that this team needs. Seems tough and can make plays by catching the ball.

  • September 5, 2008

    1:37 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    SLoganSt writes:

    I always thought 6'2" 240-250 was the normal size for a fullback. Never have been able to figure out why the Broncs have never had a fullback who was of a reasonable size.