The Denver Broncos started their mandatory minicamp this week and the team had a number of high profile players in attendance after their absences during OTA offseason workouts, as left tackle Ryan Clady and running back Willis McGahee were with the team on Tuesday.
According to ESPN.com, Clady and McGahee were both in attendance at workouts, with the running back coming after missing all 10 of the voluntary workouts the team held during the offseason. McGahee said he was absent from the workouts for family issues and although he has been behind in regards to workouts, he feels that in his 11th season he can slide right back into the starting lineup. McGahee should end up back in the starting lineup after rushing for 731 yards while missing six games and if he is healthy he should get the bulk of the carries.
The Broncos have a number of young running backs in Ronnie Hillman and rookie Montee Ball and McGahee's absence, Hillman took the charge and he could benefit the most from the situation. Hillman is in his second year and with McGahee being in his 30s, coach John Fox could try to get younger at the position after he dealt with injuries last season. McGahee dealt with knee issues last year and missed the final two months of the season and if he doesn't look as strong as in the past, his $2.5 million salary could be on the cutting board.
The Broncos have a deep roster at the position with Jacob Hester, Knowshon Moreno, Hillman, Ball and McGahee and that should pair well with Peyton Manning in the passing game. McGahee plans on starting the season as the primary running back and the decision could be made in training camp and may come down to whether he can prove he is fully healthy. McGahee was injured towards the end of last season after getting tackled by Quentin Jammer (who is now on the team) and despite that he still was number one on the team in rushing. McGahee spent most of the time on the sidelines on the first day at camp and he could be challenged by Ball, who is expected to contribute right away as a rookie after being a second round pick out of Wisconsin.
The team was also happy to have Clady back in camp, as he was absent for the entire offseason program after the franchise tag was placed on him, but reports say that the two sides have started contract talks again. Clady is considered one of the best tackles in the league and has been to the Pro Bowl three times and the team is expecting to sign him long term. Peyton Manning needs a quality offensive line and Clady gives the team one of the best and should help the offense maintain its fifth ranked passing attack with nearly 285 yards per game.
