Broncos receiver Rod Smith back at practice Wednesday
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) Broncos receiver Rod Smith ran pass routes Wednesday at a slower pace and with a slight limp.
Not that any of his teammates even noticed.
The Broncos just enjoyed having the team's all-time receiving leader back on the field. Smith has been on the physically unable to perform list all season as he recovered from offseason surgery on his left hip.
Now, though, it's decision time for Denver. The team has until Nov. 14 to either place Smith on the 53-man roster or put him on the reserve/physically unable to perform list, ending his season.
"It's great to have him back," coach Mike Shanahan said. "Hopefully, there are no setbacks and we will get a chance to see what he can do."
Shanahan said Smith, 37, could play as early as Monday night against Green Bay, if the hip can withstand the contact.
However, Shanahan isn't going to rush Smith along.
"We have three weeks," Shanahan said.
The Broncos could use him with Javon Walker out until at least December after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery last Friday. Brandon Marshall and Brandon Stokley have filled in nicely, leading the team in touchdown catches with two apiece.
"When somebody goes down, everybody has to come in and play better," Stokley said.
With every pass Smith caught in warmups, the chants of "We love Rod" from the defensive backs grew louder. They were standing on the other practice field, watching him haul in passes from Jay Cutler.
As the team stretched, Smith was called up in front of the group to perform a skit. He did a little dance, but nothing too outrageous, not wanting to aggravate his hip.
"He's just one of the great teammates I've been around," safety John Lynch said. "He's the pulse of this team, the heart and soul, whatever you want to call it. It's just a comforting feeling when he's around."
Smith walked off the field without talking to the media.
However, Shanahan said Smith, "took a few reps. He's doing all right."
FULL STORY
Broncos receiver Rod Smith back at practice Wednesday
Broncos receiver Rod Smith back at practice Wednesday
Broncos receiver Rod Smith back at practice Wednesday
Linear Mode
