Broncos' rookie Demaryius Thomas may play in Sunday's season opener .
Denver Broncos’ wide receiver Demaryius Thomas returned to practice this week, and head coach Josh McDaniels said that the team’s first overall draft choice could play Sunday in the season opener at Jacksonville, according to Mike Chambers of the Denver Post.
Thomas, who missed the entire preseason and most of training camp with an injury to his foot says he will be ready to play.
“I think I’ll be ready,” he said.
McDaniels will take his time deciding whether the former Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket will see the field.
“We’re just going to see how he does, and take his progress day by day and make our decision at the end of the week,” McDaniels said before today’s practice. “Hopefully, every day is a better day for him.”
McDaniels added that while having Thomas gain some experience in the preseason would have been ideal, the rookie will play if ready.
“I wish, for his sake, that he had an opportunity to play in some of those preseason games. It’s important for any rookie,” McDaniels said. “But, you know, we have to deal with the situation that we have, and if he’s ready to go we’ll be excited to have him out there.”
McDaniels also announced the Broncos’ team captains. The captains, elected by their teammates are quarterback Kyle Orton, offensive lineman Chris Kuper, tight end Daniel Graham, linebacker D.J. Williams, safety Brian Dawkins, cornerback Champ Bailey and linebacker/special-teamer Wesley Woodyard.