Broncos Ware returns to practice, game status uncertain
Oct 27, 2016, 4:32 AM
The Denver Broncos may be getting stronger on defense with the return of future Hall of Fame pass-rusher DeMarcus Ware. They’ve been playing without Ware since he suffered a broken forearm back in Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts.
He underwent surgery to repair the ulnar fracture and had an initial prognosis of 4-5 weeks of recovery time. Ware has been patiently rehabbing from the injury, and the Broncos defense has featured more of young pass rushers like Shane Ray and Shaquil Barrett with Ware out.
On Wednesday, Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak said he feels good about Ware’s progress.
“I’m encouraged by what I saw today. We were working toward putting him with the team today. We were not really full speed today, more teaching and stuff, so we’ll pick it up tomorrow.” Kubiak said. “But I felt good about what I saw him do today.”
Ware said Wednesday that he is excited about getting back in action with his teammates.
“I’ve been practicing. (This is) the first practice back, and I feel really good. It’s a process, getting my arm acclimated back to punching guys, doing pass-rush moves, and it’s a day-to-day process.” Ware said. “I don’t know if I’m going to play this week, I don’t know if I’m going to play next week, but if it progresses like it should, you know I’ll be out there.”
With the game coming up on Sunday against the San Diego Chargers, Ware is going to be wearing some extra protection for his arm.
“It’s like a plastic soft cast with a lot of padding around it to make sure I’m not breaking somebody’s arm when I’m out there because I will use it,” Ware said with a laugh. “It’s just a protection thing so that it can withstand some impact.”
The Broncos have quite the collection of pass rushers on the roster. If Ware does play against the Chargers, the team could ease him back into action. Even though he averaged around 40 snaps per game last season, Ware should play only 25 snaps or so when he’s at full strength.
The defending Super Bowl champions seem poised for another deep playoff run, and having Ware near full strength in the postseason will greatly benefit their defense.
The Broncos have wisely been cautious with Ware during his recovery, and with the way that Ray and Barrett are playing there’s no need to rush him back too soon.
