DENVER – DeMarcus Ware will return to practice next week for the first time since the days leading up to Super Bowl 50.
Ware, the Denver Broncos’ pass-rushing outside linebacker who lines up opposite Von Miller, has been out since the start of the offseason with a back injury.
Ware said prior to the Broncos’ preseason game Saturday night against the San Francisco 49ers that his back feels fine and he’s been physically ready for a while now. However, he is not expected to play in the Broncos’ final two preseason games.
Ware ranks No. 11 all-time with 134 ½ sacks, which is also just seven sacks away from Michael Strahan at No. 5.
Broncos’ cornerback Aqib Talib is also expected to increase his practice participation next week so that he would play in the preseason game next Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams.
Injuries
The Broncos lost right guard Darrion Weems to a concussion and inside backer Corey Nelson to a wrist injury.
Booker time
After starting tailback C.J. Anderson finished off the first two series with six carries for 30 yards that included an impressive 19-yard touchdown, the Broncos brought in not veteran Ronnie Hillman, but rookie Devontae Booker.
Aside from a 5-yard illegal motion penalty, Booker had seven carries for 35 yards.He was most satisfied with how he performed as a pass protector.
"If you can't protect the quarterback in this league you won't play at all," Booker said. "I definitely went out there and proved I can pass protect."
Hillman came in to play the second half. He had three carries for 21 yards and also had a 21-yard kickoff return.
Broncos Bits
Michael Schofield started at right guard, then shifted to left tackle after the first series to replace veteran Russell Okung, who had an impressive first series.
Rookie punter Riley Dixon was the holder on Brandon McManus’ first four place kicks. Each attempt was successful. Veteran punter Britton Colquitt had two punts inside the 12.
Broncos backup inside linebacker Zaire Anderson delivered hits that twice separated 49ers running back Mike Davis from the ball. Anderson was undrafted out of Nebraska last year. After spending his rookie season on the Broncos’ practice squad, Anderson has a great chance to make the 53-man roster this year.
A sleeper for one of the final receiver spots is DeVier Posey, whom then Houston coach Gary Kubiak drafted in the third round out of Ohio State in 2012. Posey had 21 catches for Houston in 2012-13 and had two receptions for 19 yards on Saturday, plus had a special teams tackle.
The Broncos were about to go down, 24-10 midway through the third quarter, but as 49ers’ running back DuJuan Harris was spinning into the end zone, he was hit by Denver linebacker Dekoda Watson and fumbled. John Tidwell of Rangeview (Aurora) High School recovered in the end zone for a touchback.
