The Denver Post: Two new Broncos are already paying off.

The Denver Post: See how John Elway tackles an intriguing fan question.

Green Bay Press Gazette: Previewing Sunday’s Broncos vs. Packers game.

Miami Herald: New England Patriots re-sign a former Bronco.

Boxscore News: CFL’s Edmonton Eskimos sign a former Broncos linebacker.

Visalia Times-Delta: Rookie TE Virgil Green continues to work hard for added playing time.

Scout.com: New York Giants reportedly workout ex-Denver TE Richard Quinn.

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DT Ty Warren is out at least three months with a triceps injury. (personal photo)

Broncos defensive tackle Ty Warren is recovering from surgery to repair a partially torn triceps tendon.

Warren suffered the injury last Monday in practice, the same day fellow starting DT Marcus Thomas strained a pectoral muscle. Thomas could return in time for Denver’s season opener September 12, but Warren’s recovery will take months.  Coach John Fox told The Denver Post a best-case scenario return is three to four months:

“Everyone heals differently, plus they have to stay in shape and all those things they have to do to be able to come back and play football,” Fox said after practice. “It’ll be week to week.”

The Broncos signed Warren August 2 after his release by New England.  The 30-year-old missed the entire 2010 season with a hip injury.

Kevin Vickerson and Brodrick Bunkley are now the team’s starting defensive tackles.  The Broncos have no plans to put Warren on season-ending injured reserved, just in case he does return late-season.

Jarmon on the move?

It looks like the Broncos may add another DT without searching the waiver wire.  Defensive end Jeremy Jarmon is practicing from the tackle position, and he’s perfectly okay with the idea:

“With my technique and my explosion, it’ll be a good fit for me.”

Roster Move

Broncos tight end Richard Quinn officially cleared waivers and been placed on the team’s injured reserve list.

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It was Kyle Orton’s job to lose. And he didn’t.

Kyle Orton will start on MNF September 12 against Oakland. (personal photo)

Orton is officially the Denver Broncos starting quarterback.  He was supposed to be a starter all along, though three weeks ago, he was supposed to be wearing a Miami Dolphins uniform by now.

That trade never materialized, and the business-like Orton deflected distractions to firmly establish himself as the Broncos’ No. 1 signal caller come September 12.

So while we got an answer on the obvious question, Fox didn’t reveal who is No. 2.  Brady Quinn and Tim Tebow continue to battle for bragging rights, but it’s entirely possible we won’t know who backs up Orton until it actually happens.

Nowadays, teams are no longer obligated to release its game day QB rotation.

Orton entered training camp on the trading block – but also atop the team’s depth chart.  He’s worked extensively with the first-team, making today’s “news” not news to WR Eddie Royal, who told The Denver Post:

“We’ve been working with him all camp. He’s been with the one’s.  I guess there’s not really any surprise to us. It’s nice to know who is going to be back there throwing you the ball on Day 1. We all have had confidence in Kyle since Day 1, so no surprise to us.”

Playing much of the 1st half in Saturday’s preseason game against Buffalo, Orton completed 10-of-13 passes for 135 yards and a TD.

Roster Move

Monday afternoon, the Broncos designated tight end Richard Quinn waived/injured.  If he clears waivers, he will revert to IR.   Playing mostly special teams, Quinn has one career catch with the Broncos, a 9-yard reception last season.

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TV Coverage (MT)

6:00 p.m. KUSA – Pregame Special
6:30 p.m. KUSA – Kickoff

My friends, football is officially back.

I cannot recall ever being as excited about the preseason as I am right now.  I suppose my heightened enthusiasm is a positive byproduct of the lengthy NFL lockout.  (Still, I wish it had never happened).  The Denver Broncos’ first preseason game is tonight at Dallas, and a show of hands: Who else is ready?

Even though preseason win/loss results are meaningless, there’s something special about this time of year – widespread optimism. No matter what the experts predict, all 32 teams have reason to be hopeful.  Tampa Bay and St. Louis, two of the league’s worst teams in 2009, managed significant turnarounds in 2010, inspiring other teams to say, “Why not us?”

Since Denver Horse Force launched in late-January, this is my first-ever Broncos game preview.  Much like the Broncos, I will use this preseason to evaluate performance.  To be perfectly honest, I’ve longed for this day, but only thought big picture.  In other words, I haven’t quite developed a formula for previewing a game, so what you see this week isn’t necessarily what you’ll see next week.

Tonight is the first opportunity for Broncos fans to see the John Fox regime in action.  Here’s what I’m watching for:

1. Kyle Orton’s command of the first-team offense: Yes, this is a given.  I suspect Orton will play at the most a quarter before being pulled.  Thus far in training camp, Orton has done everything to firmly establish his role as the starter – all while dodging numerous distractions.  Orton’s practice performance has rarely been questioned; it’s his game day performance on third down.

2. New and improved ground attack: Fox said bolstering the Broncos running game was a top offseason priority.  It’s a make-or-break season for third—year running back Knowshon Moreno, who entered training camp in the best shape of his professional career.  Newly-acquired Willis McGahee has impressed coaches during his short time in Denver, making Fox’s vision of a dual running back threat closer to reality.

3. Worst defense no more?: Via free agency and trades, the Broncos stocked up on defense, already adding to NFL Draft prize Von Miller and the return of Elvis Dumervil.  Now back to a 4-3 defense, DE Robert Ayers is poised for his best NFL season – finally living up to the expectations of a former first-round draft pick.  Can the Broncos’ front seven put pressure on the Cowboys’ backfield?

Is there a battle for backup QB? (Courtesy Jeffrey Beall)

4. Young wide receivers: Brandon Lloyd and Eddie Royal are the go-to guys, but Denver is deep at the position, even without Demaryius Thomas, out until at least mid-season, and Jabar Gaffney, traded two weeks ago to Washington.  Keep an eye on second-year receiver Eric Decker.

5. Tim Tebow vs. Brady Quinn: There are rumblings Quinn could pass Tebow on the depth chart.  Quinn is certainly a more conventional NFL-type quarterback, whereas Tebow’s strengths are his improvising, scrambling, and making something out of nothing.  Tebow has openly discussed ongoing efforts to make his play more traditional, but at what price?  Does that make Tim Tebow no longer Tim Tebow?  Mark Kiszla thinks so, and I fully agree.

6. Rookie performances: Miller gets the bulk of the attention, as he should being the No. 2 overall pick, but three other rookies are making waves at Dove Valley.  Free safety Rahim Moore is atop the depth chart, as is OT Orlando Franklin.  Though further down on the depth chart, tight end Julius Thomas is proving a mid-round bargain for Denver.

Injury Report

Denver hasn’t confirmed which players will sit out, but Sporting News reports CB Syd’Quan Thompson, LBs D.J. Williams and Nate Irving, TE Richard Quinn, DTs Mitch Unrein and Louis Leonard and WR Demaryius Thomas are out tonight.

Learn more about Dallas on Aerys Sports’ new Cowboys site Straight Shootin’.

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T-minus three days until the Broncos preseason opener, and Monday, we got our first look at the team’s depth chart.

No surprise here: QB Kyle Orton is atop the Broncos depth chart. (Courtesy Jeffrey Beall)

Though “subject to change,” the depth chart includes three rookies listed as first-string and no surprises at the quarterback position.

Heading into Thursday’s game at Dallas, Kyle Orton, who has taken the majority of first-team snaps, is No. 1, followed by Tim Tebow, Brady Quinn, and undrafted free agent Adam Weber.

Second overall pick Von Miller is atop the Broncos depth chart at strongside linebacker ahead of Lee Robinson, Mike Mohamed, and Derek Domino.  Free safety Rahim Moore is listed as first-string, with Darcel McBath and David Bruton second and third, respectively.  Right tackle Orlando Franklin is the other first-string rookie.

Other depth chart insights:

* WR Eddie Royal, who underwent hip surgery earlier this year, is first-team, joining 2010 Pro Bowl selection Brandon Lloyd.

* Knowshon Moreno is listed ahead of newly-acquired Willis McGahee, though John Fox has indicated the Broncos’ ground-oriented offense will utilize two running backs.

* Daniel Fells, who joined the Broncos last week, is already No. 1 at tight end, followed by Richard Quinn, Dan Gronkowski, Dante Rosario, and rookies Julius Thomas and Virgil Green.

* Cornerback Perrish Cox is third at the left cornerback position, behind Champ Bailey and Cassius Vaughn.  Cox stands trial in October on sexual assault charges.

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Broncos tight end tally now stands at five…or is it six?

Late Sunday afternoon, Denver agreed to terms with Rams tight end Daniel Fells.  Sources tell The Denver Post the agreement is a one-year contract.  Fells is primarily a blocking tight end, but did catch 41 passes in 2010 for St. Louis.

He is tight end No. 5 on Denver’s roster.

As for that possible sixth tight end, it could very well be Dante Rosario.  The former Panther underwent a physical, but is has yet to sign with Denver.  Rosario is considered a receiving tight end.

Action shot of Ty Warren (#94) at the expense of ex-NFLer J.P. Losman. Yes, I dug through the archives for this one.

In training camp, Fells will compete against Richard Quinn and rookie Virgil Green.  Rosario, if signed, will face off against Dan Gronkowski and rookie Julius Thomas.

Bottom line: the pressure is on.  It’s unlikely all six end up on the Broncos’ opening day roster.

More DT visits

Former Patriot Ty Warren could be the next defensive tackle added to the Broncos’ roster.  He passed a weekend physical in Denver, despite having missed all of last season with a hip injury.  Warren has reportedly been offered a contract, but is waiting to see what other offers are out there.

The Broncos also plan to meet with Atlanta’s Jamaal Anderson.  The eight-overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, Anderson was released by the Falcons Friday.

Other transactions

Sticking with DTs, the Broncos re-signed Marcus Thomas to a one-year deal.

Linebacker Dominic Douglas, who was signed by Denver in December, was waived.

Former Broncos tight end Daniel Graham signed a three-year deal Sunday with the Tennessee Titans.  Graham grew up in the Denver area and played at the University of Colorado.

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The Denver Post includes Q & A about the team’s offseason needs, namely defensive line.

Also from The Denver Post, a profile of Broncos TE Richard Quinn.

Speaking of Broncos tight ends, the team’s official site has a feature on HOF inductee Shannon Sharpe.

Longmont Times-Call reports on a recent football camp with strong Broncos ties.

John Elway can still throw the football as Tahoe’s The Record-Courier found out.

Westword writes the Broncos are ready for football.

ESPN reports 75 ex-NFL players are suing over concussions.

And if yesterday’s drama wasn’t enough, here’s a recap from NFL.com.

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So much for that.

Doing its best Brett Favre on-again, off-again retirement waffling, the “unlockout” is over.

An appeals court granted the NFL’s request late this afternoon, temporarily putting the lockout back in effect immediately.  That decision came after more than 15 Broncos players showed up at the team’s Dove Valley facility today.   About a dozen players showed up to Dove Valley Thursday, their first time since early March.

In order of arrival, here is the list of players who showed up today, according to The Denver Post:

• Spencer Larsen – FB
• Robert Ayers – DE
• Braxton Kelley – LB
• J.D. Walton – C
• Cassius Vaughn – CB
• Chris Kuper – G
• Eric Olsen – G
• Zane Beadles – G
• Dan Gronkowski – TE
• Brian Dawkins – S
• Richard Quinn – TE
• Chris Clark – OT
• David Veikune – LB
• Joe Mays – LB
• Perrish Cox – CB
• Lonie Paxton – LS
• LenDale White – RB

The appeals court is expected to rule next week if the NFL’s stay request will remain in effect though the injunction ruling appeals process, as estimated 6-8 weeks.

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Claiming the Broncos need a defensive upgrade is like claiming the CBA negotiations are a painstaking process.

It’s not news.

Due to that CBA gridlock, it’s also surprising to no one the Broncos front office is looking for those defensive upgrades in Indianapolis at the NFL Combine.

While the Broncos will undoubtedly make defense a priority in the draft, the team’s eyes will also be stealing glances of offensive talent.  General Manager Brian Xanders said this past week the Broncos will examine every position, seeking to increase competition and talent across the board.  So, in that spirit, here’s a look at the little-discussed side of the Broncos football equation, the offense, and how it may factor into the Combine.

Tim, Brady, and Kyle (not pictured) - Do the Broncos need another quarterback? (Courtesy: Jeffrey Beall)

Running backs – Another poorly kept secret in Denver is the Broncos’ yearning for DeAngelo Williams.  If the team manages to land Williams, he’ll likely become the primary back, but Knowshon Moreno will get enough playing time in 2011 to once and for all determine if he’s worth keeping around.  Laurence Maroney is likely as good as gone after providing no positives to the team.  That leaves LenDale White and Lance Ball.  Ball will likely be retained.  White could be moved after underwhelming, injury-riddled performances.  If both White and Maroney are in the crosshairs, the Broncos will be looking to the later rounds of the draft for depth in the offensive backfield.

Fullbacks – Spencer Larsen has performed admirably as a blocker.  That said, you have to wonder if the Broncos would be interested in looking for that next hybrid of ball-carrying, head-knocking, 3rd-and-2 getting player that Josh McDaniels banished in Peyton Hillis.

Receivers – Expect Denver to thoroughly evaluate this receiving class.  With rehab concerns for both Eddie Royal and Demaryius Thomas, a receiving corps that looked too deep in January is now a Jabar Gaffney away from unsustainable. On the flip side, the Broncos have to like the receiving talent currently on the team.  If Royal and Thomas return, and remain healthy, using an early round pick on a premium receiver may become overkill.  In the end, Denver will be keeping a close eye on receivers with solid mid- to late-round value.

Tight Ends – Solid blockers, empty receiving threats.  That’s the tag on Denver’s current tight end crop.  Daniel Graham is a seasoned veteran, but his receiving prowess that made him a weapon at the University of Colorado and a “can’t sleep on” guy in New England is gone.  Richard Quinn has yet to bloom as a reliable receiver.  Both Graham and Quinn’s value may fit well with head coach John Fox’s run-heavy offensive philosophy, but Fox’s boss also fully knows the value an elite pass-catching tight end brings to the arsenal.

Nothing against Daniel Graham, but Denver needs help at tight end. (Courtesy: Jeffrey Beall)

Offensive Line – Coach Fox is a man that appreciates two things in football: good defense, and a running game.  The Broncos currently have neither.  The team may be able to plug some defensive holes through the draft and free-agency (if that ever happens), but you can’t completely rebuild a broken defense in one offseason.  Enter the running game.  Getting consistent production on the ground keeps the defense off the field, and that keeps the pressure off a work-in-progress unit.  Ryan Harris appears to be the most moveable part in the offensive line equation.  His status as an unrestricted free agent could have the Broncos looking closely at premium offensive line talent.  Despite last year’s OL inadequacy, the rest of the line may need little tweaking.  Two consistent starters (J.D. Walton & Zane Beadles) were rookies, the starting line combination changed 6 times in 9 games, and Denver was operating under a power-blocking scheme that didn’t suit its personnel.  Experience, consistency on the starting roster, and a move back to zone-blocking could provide substantial improvement without needing to turn to the draft.

Clearly, Denver won’t just be focused on the defensive players being evaluated in Indianapolis.  Nearly every offensive position contains a question mark.  With John Elway declaring the Broncos “can’t [afford to] miss” in this year’s draft, there is much to take in at Lucas Oil Stadium.