ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas received his biggest workload of this training camp in Tuesday’s morning practice, and coach Gary Kubiak said he believes Thomas will fully participate in the team’s workouts next week.
The Broncos have taken a steady approach with Thomas given he skipped the team's offseason program as his representatives and the Broncos worked out a five-year, $70 million deal signed just before camp opened. The Broncos added a little more to Thomas' to-do list as they work through the first week of camp.
Tuesday Thomas took part in two 7-on-7 periods in practice, having practiced for an hour and 10 minutes of the roughly two-hour practice. It was the most he has taken part in a practice since camp opened last week.
"He’ll be coming for his treatment (Wednesday) stay on his schedule," Kubiak said. "But I’m hoping through the course of next week he’s pretty much ready ... going forward."
Defensive end Antonio Smith missed most of the offseason program after it came to light he was the subject of a criminal complaint in Texas. Smith was not arrested and no charges have been filed, but his case is still under review.
The Broncos, after discussions with NFL officials and NFL security, said it was "appropriate" for Smith to report to camp last week. He took part in some team drills Tuesday and Kubiak said he should be ready for full participation as well.
Nose tackle Marvin Austin Jr., who battled injuries throughout the offseason program, was held out of Tuesday’s practice with a groin injury. Rookie Darius Kilgo got some additional work in Austin’s absence.
"(Austin) has been fine, he’s just missed a lot of time," Kubiak said. "This is a tough football team to make so we’ve got to get him healthy ... we’ve got to get him back on the field, and like I said, this is going to be a tough team to make."
Tackle Michael Schofield left practice with some tightness in his back, running back Kapri Bibbs suffered an ankle injury late in the workout and defensive end Derek Wolfe was pulled from drills at one point as trainers put a cold towel over his head.
Defensive end Malik Jackson (calf) and cornerback Tevrin Brandon (shoulder) did not practice.
