Jason Elam passed his final mental hurdle Thursday, going full-bore on kickoffs for the first time since straining his hamstring Aug. 19. Elam will be ready
Lelie looking forward to debut
for opener
He then pronounced himself ready for the Denver Broncos' regular-season opener tomorrow against the St. Louis Rams.
The University of Hawaii alumnus and Broncos kicker felt the hamstring grab while approaching the ball during warm-ups before Denver's second preseason game, against the San Francisco 49ers. He kicked a pair of extra points Aug. 29 against the Seattle Seahawks but attempted no kickoffs or field goals.
After more than two weeks of rehabilitation, Elam maintains there's no longer a knot or inflammation in his leg.
"It hasn't bothered me at all, all week long," he told the Rocky Mountain News. "I came out and made all my kicks this week. I'm 20-for-20 on live field goals, so that helped get my mind right. I did some very, very easy kickoffs (Wednesday) just to get my steps right and my timing. And I sped it up (Thursday) and hit a whole bunch of kickoffs just to get that part out of my head, because that's how I hurt it, and I hit it great."
Meanwhile, Elam is preparing for his final season with the Broncos, according to the Denver Post.
There has been no recent negotiations between Elam's agent and the Broncos since Elam signed a one-year deal. And with the season starting tomorrow, there won't be talk anytime soon.
"I'm looking at this as my last year here," Elam told the Post. "In my mind, I have to."
After the season, Elam, who was named the team's franchise player this season, will be a free agent and able to negotiate with any team.
"You never say never; you always keep the door open," Elam told the Post. "But it does look very bleak. It looks like the end."
Star-Bulletin wire services
National Football League