ASSOCIATED PRESS
Former Hawaii standout Jason Elam, who has expressed desire to take on punting duties in addition to placekicking for the Denver Broncos this season, isn't trying out for quarterback. He was playing around with backup QBs at practice yesterday by trying to throw the ball into a trash can.
Manuwai works
with first team
Jacksonville Jaguars third-round draft pick Vince Manuwai, a former Hawaii standout, has been working out with the first team at training camp, the Florida Times-Union reported.
The 6-foot-2, 312-pound Manuwai is currently slated ahead of veteran Jamar Nesbit on the depth chart.
"It gives you a lot of confidence running with the (starters) after just getting drafted," Manuwai told the Times-Union. "It's a lot of pressure, too, because I was the only position they switched on the entire offensive line. It's exciting."
Coach Jack Del Rio said Manuwai shouldn't get overconfident.
"The time to worry about who's in the starting lineup is (Sept. 7), when we open up against Carolina," he told the Times-Union. "Until then, it's a work in progress."
McCaffrey not ready to step aside yet: Who says Ed McCaffrey is all spicy mustard and no hot dog?
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Broncos punter Mat McBriar, a Hawaii alumnus, punted downfield during the afternoon training camp special teams practice yesterday. He is competing with Micah Knorr for a job.
If injuries have taken a step or two from Denver's favorite receiver/pitchman, it certainly didn't show as McCaffrey showed off during Sunday's morning practice session. The soon-to-be 35-year-old had plenty of separation from twenty-something cornerbacks Lenny Walls and Corey Chamblin, as he got behind them for touchdowns.
The performance was impressive and evidence that McCaffrey isn't quite ready to step aside and let Hawaii alumnus Ashley Lelie start.
"That's just Ed to me," said offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak. "I knew he was going to be out there and ready to go. Those are the type of plays he makes, he's just a gutsy player."
Fatafehi finds a team: Farrington product Mario Fatafehi joined Ashley Lelie, Nick Rolovich, Jason Elam and Mat McBriar in Denver Broncos' training camp yesterday.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Denver Broncos and former Hawaii receiver Ashley Lelie went up for a pass as safety Kenoy Kennedy defended yesterday. Lelie pulled in the pass, but was shaken on the play and had to be attended to by trainers. Coach Mike Shanahan said he only had the wind knocked out of him.
The 6-foot-2, 300-pound defensive tackle signed with the team after making three tackles in six games for the Panthers last year. He started his career with the Cardinals as a fifth round draft pick in 2001 but was waived midway through last season.
The Boulder (Colo.) Daily Camera contributed to this report.
