Griese, Sharpe hoping to be ready for Chargers
Wednesday November 27, 2002
By JOHN MARSHALL
AP Sports Writer
DENVER (AP) Denver Broncos quarterback Brian Griese and tight
end Shannon Sharpe made it through practice Wednesday without any
setbacks, a good sign the injured players could be ready for
Sunday's game against San Diego.
Griese, who sprained his left knee against Seattle Nov. 17,
dropped back for a few passes and seemed to have little trouble
moving around outside the pocket.
``He looked pretty good. I didn't talk to him afterward, but he
did throw the ball well,'' coach Mike Shanahan said. ``I'm not sure
if there's any setback with the knee, but he looked pretty
impressive.''
Sharpe was expected to be out up to a month after partially
dislocating his right elbow against Oakland on Nov. 11, but he was
catching passes in practice on Wednesday.
``I did a lot better than I thought I would, which really
surprised me because I came out here (Tuesday) and didn't feel as
comfortable as I would have liked,'' Sharpe said. ``We'll see at
the end of the week. I'm very optimistic, I really am. I'm a lot
further ahead than I thought I would be at this time.''
Griese worked out on a treadmill Monday without any problems,
then did some lateral movements Tuesday without any swelling
afterward. He said he probably won't know whether he can play until
just before Sunday's game.
``It's been getting better every day,'' Griese said before
Wednesday's practice. ``I've been doing a little bit more every day
with the strengthening exercises and stuff like that. I haven't had
any setbacks, so it's a good sign.''
Sharpe didn't have any problems while testing a brace over the
weekend, but had some pain during a workout Tuesday. Shanahan said
his playing status also will be a game-time decision.
``We'll get an idea over the next couple days,'' Shanahan said.
``We'll check it out tomorrow, see if there is any setback
hopefully there's not and if there's not, he should be ready to
go.''
(Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)