Melvin Gordon was a training camp holdout with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2019, his first preseason with the Broncos in ’20 was canceled due to the pandemic and he carried five times in three preseason games last year.
Gordon doesn’t need the preseason to be an effective running back and he is fine with coach Nathaniel Hackett’s emerging plan to hold out his top players at Buffalo on Saturday and against Minnesota on Aug. 27.
“If we don’t make the preseason games, we’ll still be ready for the (Seattle) Seahawks,” Gordon said after practice Wednesday. “We get after it (in practice). We understand (Hackett) looks after us so we look after him as far as doing what we need to do out here.”
Gordon missed practice time last week (foot contusion) but has practiced all three days this week.
“(Camp) is just about coming out here every day and finding something to get better at,” he said. “Actually using practice to get better on what you feel your flaws are. That’s how I approach it now and I’m trying to bring along other guys to have that same mentality.”
Gordon started all 16 of his games last year, but Javonte Williams has usually received the first carry in 11-on-11 work during camp.
“You kind of know what (the rotation) is if you’re out here,” Gordon said. “I think they want Javonte to be the guy. I don’t know how they’ll do the rotation (in the regular season).
“I know I’ve still got the juice.”
Cushenberry sits. Center Lloyd Cushenberry (knee) wasn’t present for the Broncos’ jog-through.
“We’re just resting him,” Hackett said. “It’s nothing serious.”
Also not practicing were inside linebacker Jonas Griffith (elbow), defensive end Marquiss Spencer (knee), tight end Greg Dulcich (hamstring), guard Netane Muti (knee), center Luke Wattenberg (ankle), right tackle Billy Turner (excused absence) and receivers KJ Hamler (knee) and Tyrie Cleveland (throat).
Outside linebacker Randy Gregory (knee/shoulder) was able to participate in team work because of the slower tempo.
“He has some juice,” Hackett said. “He’s definitely excited to be back with the guys. That’s another reason these (jog-through) days are so important.”
Cornerback Ronald Darby (chest) went through drills for the first time since he was injured Aug. 8.
Bassey’s opportunity. The Broncos continue to ease nickel back K’Waun Williams back into team work after sustaining a knee injury on July 30. The beneficiary continues to be Essang Bassey.
Bassey started the 2020 season as the Broncos’ nickel back and he played at least 37 snaps in Weeks 1-4. Struggles sent him to the sideline, but he played at least 26 snaps in his last five games before tearing his ACL. He played one game apiece for the Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers last year.
Defensive backs coach Christian Parker’s scouting report on Bassey?
“The first thing is his brain — he’s extremely smart, he processes fast and has a low pulse rate,” Parker said. “When things are moving around him, he has a sense for the right adjustments and has great communication with (safeties) Justin (Simmons) and Kareem (Jackson) and good short-area quickness so he can mirror routes.”
Footnotes. Of cutting two receivers (Travis Fulgham and Kaden Davis), Hackett said: “Our young guys are stepping up. We still have 11 guys (at receiver) and a lot of guys we’re depending on and we’re excited for their opportunities.” … The Broncos will practice Thursday and fly to Buffalo Friday ahead of Saturday’s preseason game (11 a.m. Denver time).
