Broncos open OTAs without RB Willis McGahee

Broncos rookies, veterans and hopefuls assembled for the first time this offseason on the practice field Monday in 11-on-11 drills. But in the long line of players from No. 2 (rookie quarterback Zac Dysert) to No. 99 (defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson), there was no Willis McGahee.

McGahee, who missed the final six regular-season games as well as the playoff loss to Baltimore with a knee injury, was not in attendance. He and left tackle Ryan Clady were the only offensive regulars not in the team's Dove Valley complex.

Clady, who is recovering from right shoulder surgery, was designated the team's franchise player with a one-year, $9.828 million contract tender that comes with it. But Clady wants a long-term deal, has not signed the tender and has not been at the Broncos' complex during the offseason.

"This is a voluntary camp," Broncos coach John Fox said. "We're real pleased with the participation that we have."

Per the league's collective bargaining agreement, all 10 days of OTA (organized team activities) sessions, like the team's conditioning workouts in recent weeks, are voluntary for players. The only mandatory offseason work is a three-day minicamp on June 11-13, so players could be fined should they skip that one. McGahee also was not at the Broncos' complex when OTAs opened last year.

McGahee, who will turn 32 during the 2013 season, figures to be in a heated battled for playing time with more expected of Ronnie Hillman in his second season and the Broncos having used a second-round draft pick on running back Montee Ball.

Asked about McGahee's absence, Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning said: "I can't really speak to that, I haven't had a chance to speak to Willis. I didn't realize that he was not going to be here. ... The guys that are here are working really hard, and hopefully Willis can get here as soon as he can."


(denverpost.com)