x
Breaking News
More () »

Shaq Barrett returns to practice three months after torn hip labrum

The news is especially invigorating for the Broncos because there was initial fear Barrett would miss most of the season.

Shaq Barrett

ENGLEWOOD--Shaq Barrett, the Broncos’ top backup edge rusher, has been cleared enough from his hip injury to resume football activities Tuesday.

The news is especially invigorating for the Broncos because there was initial fear Barrett would miss most of the season.

“From the first diagnosis, yes,'' Barrett said. "They said a month or two to the whole year because of surgery. I instantly thought and hoped just a month or two. Then I went up Vail and visited (hip specialist) Dr. Philippon and he helped me out a lot. He guided me into the right direction without surgery and it ended up working out.”

He suffered a torn labrum in his hip while performing a plyometric jumping exercise during a personal workout in Omaha, Neb. in late-May.

“I landed with my leg straight and then my femur jammed up into my hip,” he said.

The fourth-year player from Colorado State sat out most of the Broncos’ offseason program and all of training camp but because it was determined he did not require surgery, his recovery absence was three months.

With 7.0 sacks the past two years, Barrett was projected to become the first edge rusher in to spell Shane Ray and Von Miller. Barrett now has a great chance to make the Broncos’ 53-man roster rather than start on an injury list that would have sidelined him the first half of the season.

Ray has been out since suffering a torn ligament in his right wrist on the first day of training camp. He is expected back by the second or third game of the regular season. Barrett will push to play in the Broncos’ season opener September 11 against the Los Angeles Chargers, although game 2 against the Dallas Cowboys may be more realistic.

“I wanted to try to play in some preseason, but I don’t think it’s going to happen because I just need time to practice and get everything going again because it’s been a while since I’ve been out here,'' Barrett said. "I want to try to be ready for season opener.”

Before You Leave, Check This Out