So how do you pass the time before training camp?

Oh, I dunno…how about countdowns?

In the latest NFL-inspired list, ESPN AFC West blogger Bill Williamson ranks the division’s Top 40 players, and the Denver Broncos not only hold the top spot, but also are represented throughout the list.

Quarterback Peyton Manning is No. 1, just ahead of San Diego Chargers QB Philip Rivers. (Rivers, of course, would rank atop the list of quarterbacks who really need to shut up.  Dude is always running that mouth.)

Broncos second-year linebacker Von Miller makes a top-five appearance, coming in at No. 4.

Here are the Broncos players who made the list:

1. QB Peyton Manning

4. LB Von Miller

8. CB Champ Bailey

14. DE Elvis Dumervil

17. T Ryan Clady

20. RB Willis McGahee

24. LB D.J. Williams

28. G Chris Kuper

33. CB Tracy Porter

38. WR Demaryius Thomas

Broken down by team, Kansas City has 13 players, followed by Denver with 10, Oakland at nine, and San Diego with eight.

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The Denver Post: John Fox is sticking by Kyle Orton as Broncos starting quarterback.

The Denver Post: Speaking of Fox, Mark Kiszla writes the Broncos new head coach hasn’t exactly done much to improve the Broncos.

DenverBroncos.com: Denver’s progress on offense was largely overshadowed by the Packers’ superior play.

ESPN: AFC West blogger Bill Williamson highlights the “lessons” learned from Sunday’s blowout loss in Green Bay.

Reuters: 1-3 record aside, at least Denver is a great tailgating destination.

USA Today: NFL topped MLB in weekend ratings.

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The Denver Post: Some injured Broncos are progressing nicely, led by WR Brandon Lloyd.

DenverBroncos.com: Cornerback Andre’ Goodman is eager to contribute to improving Denver’s defense.

ESPN: Tim Tebow will help out wherever needed.

ESPN: AFC West blogger Bill Williamson writes which Broncos player to watch out for Sunday.

CBS News: This might explain why Bengals WR Jerome Simpson, despite having a great game statistically, dropped three easy passes.

KRQE: Ex-Broncos WR Ed McCaffrey is helping the homeless in New Mexico.

NFL.com: Fantasy writers explore the Broncos running back by committee arrangement.

Yahoo! Sports: Is John Elway the greatest QB in NFL history? This writer thinks so.

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When the Broncos 53-player roster was revealed earlier this month, wide receiver Eron Riley was missing, despite a strong preseason finish.

Matt Willis was one of three wideouts available Sunday for Denver. (personal photo)

Signed to the practice squad days later, Riley may soon get called up to suit up, thanks to an unfortunate position shortage.

The Denver Post reports wide receiver Eddie Royal is out two to four weeks with a strained groin.  Royal suffered the injury early in the second quarter of Sunday’s win at home to Cincinnati.

The Broncos travel to Green Bay to play the Super Bowl champions in two weeks.  After that, Denver returns home to face San Diego, then have a bye week, putting Royal’s return at Miami on Oct. 23 – at the latest.

Royal was one of only three active wide receivers Sunday.  His injury meant quarterback Tim Tebow made his first appearance of the season as emergency wide receiver.

Rookie Julius Thomas, considered a “receiving” tight end, left during Denver’s first offensive series Sunday with a high ankle sprain.  He’ll also be out at least two weeks.

Back to how Riley fits into this.  Assuming Brandon Lloyd, who was a surprising scratch Sunday (see below), is back to action Sunday, the Broncos are still short at wide receiver.  It makes sense for head coach John Fox to activate Riley to join Lloyd, Eric Decker, and Matt Willis.

It’s important to note WR D’Andre Goodwin is also on the practice squad,

Elway Surprised Lloyd Didn’t Play

Though officially listed as questionable, Brandon Lloyd (groin) practiced Friday, a strong indication he would play Sunday.

John Elway told 102.3 The Ticket he was so certain Lloyd would play, the team didn’t even consider promoting a wide receiver from the practice squad.  Knowing running back Knowshon Moreno was likely out, Denver opted instead to activate Jeremiah Johnson from the practice squad.

So what happened?

According to ESPN AFC West blogger Bill Williamson, Elway said in his Monday morning radio show:

“We thought Brandon was going to be OK. It was quite the surprise to us — and I’m sure to him, too — that it wasn’t feeling very well on Sunday afternoon.  We really thought he was going to be fine. The thought process was, ‘OK, do we bring up a wideout or are we going to bring up a running back?’ And on Saturday we knew Knowshon was not going to go, so we really thought Brandon was going.”

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I know I say this about the same time each week, but here we go again: FRIDAY!

From The Denver Post, Sunday’s Bengals vs. Broncos game will feature some high profile rookies. 

Has Brian Dawkins turned the wheels back on time? The Denver Post ponders.

DenverBroncos.com has a Q & A with Broncos WR Eric Decker.

Speaking of Decker, read why ESPN AFC West blogger Bill Williamson expects good things from him in Week 2.

Want more Bengals perspective? Cincy Jungle should do the trick.

LA Times reports a former Broncos WR is signed by the Giants.

Athlon Sports writes the new kickoff rules didn’t exactly damper the excitement of kickoffs – at least so far.

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Football is best enjoyed with camouflage pants...and usually a jersey. (personal photo)

My apologies for the lack of fresh content Saturday.  I am the proud season-ticket holder for University of Colorado football, and attended the first home game of 2011, which turned out to be an overtime loss to California.  I didn’t go to CU, but a certain alum is very near and dear to my heart, so I go in support, though honestly, if I had my druthers, I’d spend my Saturdays in Bloomington, Indiana cheering my Hoosiers to victory.  Or at least a reputable showing.

As for the professional ranks…

At long last, it is the first Sunday of the NFL season!  Of course, the Broncos must wait another day to play, but we have 13 games today to tide us over.

Until then, you know the drill: headlines

The Denver Post reports WR Demaryius Thomas has yet another injury – broken finger.

Also from The Denver Post, John Elway is on the prowl for a franchise QB.

Von Miller is the cornerstone of the Broncos defensive rebuilding, writes ESPN AFC West blogger Bill Williamson.

NFL Mocks previews the AFC West in 2011.

Examiner.com ranks the NFL teams as we enter the regular season.

Gear Up For Sports ranks the AFC teams.

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Good morning. Let’s dive into Broncos headlines.

How’s this for positive news? The Broncos defense seems much improved.  More from The Denver Post.

In his weekly MMQB installment, Sports Illustrated’s Peter King praises the Broncos defense, specifically LB Von Miller.

Defense is apparently the theme today; ESPN AFC West blogger Bill Williamson writes about CB Champ Bailey’s play as nickel cornerback.

On the team’s official site, coach John Fox opens up about Denver’s roster cuts from Monday…plus, the development of rookie QB Adam Weber.

From Pro Football Talk, a look at the update salary cap space, as of Monday.

New Mexico Business Weekly surveys New Mexicans on their favorite NFL team. See where the Broncos rank here.

Beaumont Enterprise catches up with former Broncos coach Dan Reeves.

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The Denver Post‘s Mike Klis writes to not dismiss Tim Tebow’s NFL chances just yet.

Welcome fullbacks. The Denver Post reports the position has a spot in the Broncos offense.

The final contribution today from The Denver Post, a Q & A with veteran sportscaster Verne Lundquist.

From the team’s official site, Brian Dawkins talks all things Broncos.

Yahoo! Sports previews the Broncos Saturday preseason game at home against Seattle.

Sporting News as an update on the development of rookie Orlando Franklin.

ESPN AFC West blogger Bill Williamson answers divisional-related questions.

From The Washington Post, how Rams QB Sam Bradford could re-energize Josh McDaniels career.

Pittsburgh Post Gazette compares new Raiders QB Terrelle Pryor with Tim Tebow.

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ESPN AFC West blogger Bill Williamson looks at the Broncos training camp.

ESPN’s Fantasy Football page wonders how the Broncos’ running game could help owners.

More Fantasy Football talk, this from USA Today.

The Denver Post has the latest from Dove Valley.

Also from The Denver Post, more about the “bounty” on placed on Tim Tebow.

FS Midwest has a feature on ex-Broncos coach Josh McDaniels and his new gig as Rams offensive coordinator.

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Good morning.  Let’s dive right into the morning’s headlines.

ESPN AFC West blogger Bill Williamson, who was at Dove Valley for the Broncos weekend practice, offers his assessment on Kyle Orton.

That’s not all from Williamson; he also writes about the Broncos quest to improve the league’s worst defense.

Boston’s WCVB reports the Patriots signed a player with Broncos ties.

Atlanta Journal Constitution reports the Falcons also signed a former Bronco.

Seacoastonline.com believes the Broncos training camp is among the league’s most intriguing.

Longmont Daily Times-Call previews the Broncos 2011 season.

The Score shines the spotlight on some of the week’s best sportswriting, including an article about Tim Tebow.

The Denver Post‘s Mike Klis looks into the future of NFL jerseys.

Also from The Denver Post, Woody Paige shares his opinion on the possible renaming of Invesco Field.

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