As Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett hinted throughout the week, quarterback Russell Wilson was a healthy scratch for Saturday night’s preseason opener against Dallas.
Wilson was on the field more than two hours before kickoff, going through his throwing routine to receivers while wearing headphones and a sleeveless hooded sweatshirt.
Wilson was a regular preseason participant for Seattle from 2012-19, but there were no exhibition games in ’20 and he was held out of all three Seahawks tune-up games last year.
During his second media availability of camp following Thursday’s practice against the Cowboys, Wilson commented on the Broncos’ new ownership group that includes Lewis Hamilton, Mellody Hobson and Condoleezza Rice as limited partners.
Wilson has known new Broncos limited partner Lewis Hamilton for several years and visited him in May at the Monaco Grand Prix.
“It’s been cool watching his greatness over the years,” Wilson said of Hamilton, who has won seven Formula 1 championships. “He’s a consummate pro. A guy who impacts the community and is an amazing soul.
“Thinking about the ownership group with Lewis, Mellody, and Dr. Rice, this is a rare atmosphere that we’re in right now. It’s amazing see African-American people leading and being a part of this.
“It’s a blessing and it’s also a tribute to (Rob Walton, Greg Penner and Carrie Walton Penner), just giving them the opportunity to do this as well and everyone doing this together.”
Playing catch up. A calf injury sustained in rookie camp cost sixth-round defensive lineman Matt Henningsen the entire schedule of organized team activities, but he has not missed a practice during training camp.
“Missing OTAs was tough, especially being a rookie out there when you don’t want to miss any time and you don’t want to be that guy sitting on the sidelines,” he said. “I stayed there mentally, I learned the defense, I understand what I’m supposed to do and it helped me get off to a good start in fall camp.”
Henningsen played in a 4-3 front for Wisconsin so he has had to learn the Broncos’ 3-4 front and at several different line positions. He has lined up at the 0 technique (nose tackle) throughout camp.
“Transitioning to the 0 has been good,” he said. “I’ve liked my knock-off-the-ball, but I’m trying to become as versatile as I can and be able to play from the 0 all the way out to the 5- and 6-technique (end spots).”
Playing head-up on the opposing center is a different world for Henningsen.
“Absolutely,” he said. “Obviously, the basic principles are still the same, but you’re closer to your guy and you have less time to react — you have to go and go straight through him. And you have to be the first one off the ball because the ball is right next to you.”
Surtain gets work in. Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II had a mostly uneventful joint practice Thursday because Dallas decided to go after backup Michael Ojemudia, who was filling in for Ronald Darby (back).
Surtain was matched up against Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb on a few plays.
“It was good competition for me,” Surtain said. “Iron sharpens iron. Obviously, he’s a good player and going against him just helps me to get better.”
Cutdown looms. NFL teams must reduce their rosters from 90 to 85 players by 2 p.m. Tuesday.
For this cutdown, the Broncos’ three physically unable to perform players — outside linebacker Randy Gregory (shoulder), right tackle Billy Turner (knee) and offensive lineman Tom Compton (back) — will count toward the 90.
