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Broncos notebook: Lindsay could be bigger weapon as receiver this year

Offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello dropped hint Sunday that suggested Phillip Lindsay might get more touches through the passing game.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — All this fret about whether Phillip Lindsay should get the ball less this year as a way to preserve his smallish body.

New Broncos’ offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello dropped hint Sunday that suggested Lindsay might get more touches through the passing game.

The 5-foot-7 ¼ Lindsay was seen splitting out wide and matched up by various linebackers several times during 11 on 11 team periods Sunday.

"One of the great things about coming to Denver that really excited me from the day I walked in the door is there are very few players in the league like Phillip that have the ability to win in a one-on-one matchup at any time," Scangarello said. "I think the easiest matchup to create in the NFL is the halfback on a linebacker. That's what we try to do in this offense a lot, and I think he has that gift and that ability and those traits."

Lindsay averaged a tick more than 15 touches a game last year – 12.8 carries and 2.3 receptions. He wound up with 1,037 yards rushing and another 241 yards receiving even though he missed the final game because of a right wrist injury that required surgery.

Credit: AP Photo/David Zalubowski
Denver Broncos offensive tackle Elijah Wilkinson (68) takes part in drills during the opening day of the team's NFL football training camp Thursday, July 18, 2019, in Englewood, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Eli’s coming 

Asked to pick a player who has most surprised him since he got the job as offensive coordinator this offseason, Scangarello picked the Broncos’ top backup offensive tackle.

"I'll say Elijah Wilkinson," Scangarello said. "He was an undrafted free agent, I believe. He was a lot heavier, he's lost weight. He's a very athletic and a great scheme fit. I just like the way he works out here."

Credit: AP Photo/David Zalubowski
Jake Butt takes part in drills during the opening day of the team's NFL football training camp Thursday, July 18, 2019, in Englewood, Colo.

Bronco Bits 

The Broncos gave tight end Jake Butt a day off as he continues to come back from ACL surgery. …

Rookie linebacker Justin Hollins was hobbled by a hamstring pull. …

The Broncos have drawn bigger crowds each day. The count Sunday was 3,691.

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