Jamaal Charles to ‘play a lot’ and other non-QB Broncos notes
Aug 22, 2017, 12:00 AM | Updated: 1:38 am
Through all the commotion surrounding the Denver Broncos decision to name Trevor Siemian the team’s starting quarterback it was easy to miss some other notable news from Vance Joseph’s press conference Monday.
Aside from getting peppered with question about Siemian and now-second-team quarterback Paxton Lynch, Joseph revealed some news at other positions of interest, including running back.
Veteran Jamaal Charles, who has been quite limited in preseason action thus far, will have his shot to prove himself on Saturday against the Green Bay Packers.
Joseph said Charles, a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro with the Kansas City Chiefs, will play “a lot” against the Packers.
“I’m not sure how much (but) a lot,” Joseph said.
Charles has yet to play a down during the preseason and hasn’t worked much more than that on the practice field during training camp.
Because of his limited role, coupled with a crowded running back room featuring the emergence of rookie De’Angelo Henderson and resurgence of veteran Stevan Ridley, Fan Football Insider Cecil Lammey told “Schlereth & Evans” on Monday that Charles won’t make the team.
“With Jamaal, hey, they sign him. They give him a chance. The financial commitment is next to nothing,” Lammey said. “The language is always money. So, if you’re not committed to anything, take that chance. Take the look.
“They did, and it just hasn’t been there. It hasn’t been there so much that they haven’t played him until this point in the preseason.”
Joseph said Charles likely won’t play the fourth preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, so Saturday’s his one chance to show out.
“This is going to be Jamaal’s shot to go do his thing,” Joseph said. “He knows it. He’s ready.”
Updates along the offensive line
Joseph also gave an update on the left side of the offensive line, and who might be playing there come the regular season opener on Sept. 11 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Rookie first-round pick Garett Bolles has won the starting left tackle job, Joseph said, though who’s next to him is still up in the air.
“The left guard is still open between Max Garcia and Allen Barbre,” Joseph said. “So those guys will split time this week in the first half and probably some in the third quarter.”
On the other side, free agent acquisition Ron Leary will remain at right guard, Joseph said.
“He’s played really well at right so he’ll be right for right now,” Joseph said.
Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.
