The Denver Broncos are in OTA’s (organized team activities). One player who hasn’t participated this week is defensive end DeMarcus Ware. Ware has been bothered by a back issue. The Broncos are being very cautious with him.
According to NFL.com, Head Coach Gary Kubiak said, “Same thing. Back is bothering him. I don’t know how much you’ll see him in OTAs. I hope we get a few in before we call it for summer, but there is no reason to rush him out there.”
The Broncos shouldn’t hurry Ware onto the practice field. Ware is a leader on the Broncos’ defense. These are OTA’s and these reps aren’t as important as training camp or the regular season. It would be exciting to see him out there but, if he can’t go, rest is the best option. Resting him might help him play at a high level in training camp and the regular season.
The Broncos are being as careful as they can be with him. Ware missed five games last year due to the same injury. He only appeared in 11 games, the least in his career. In those games he was still a force with 7.5 sacks and 1 forced fumble. He was especially effective in the playoffs and in the Super Bowl where he helped keep the pressure on the opposing quarterbacks.
In the offseason the Broncos wanted to keep Ware around. He even reconstructed his contract to stay with the Broncos. That is how much he means to the Broncos defense. Denver will need him in the regular season. His pass rush ability takes pressure off of Von Miller so that Miller isn’t the only Broncos’ defender putting pressure on the quarterback or even sacking the quarterback. Ware knows how valuable he is to this team. Hopefully the Broncos will be smart with him so he can last the season.
How should the Denver Broncos make sure DeMarcus Ware is healthy for the regular season?
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