Elway Should Make Opener
John Elway is expected to be sidelined two to four weeks after rupturing a biceps tendon in his throwing arm, but should be ready for Denver’s regular-season opener.
The durable quarterback was injured Monday night in the Broncos’ 38-19 exhibition loss to the Miami Dolphins in Mexico City. After returning to Denver shortly after 4 a.m. Tuesday, Elway underwent an MRI exam at the Steadman-Hawkins clinic that confirmed the injury.
“Let’s keep our fingers crossed that everything is going to be all right,” coach Mike Shanahan said. “We’ll just have to wait and see. Right now, it’s more pain than anything else.”
Trainer Steve Antonopulos said he believed Elway would be recovered by Denver’s opener against Kansas City on Aug. 31.
The 37-year-old Elway underwent off-season surgery on his right shoulder. While removing scar tissue during that surgery, doctors discovered a previously undiagnosed frayed tendon in his biceps which they did not repair. It was the same tendon he completely tore Monday night.
Elway said the latest injury “might be a blessing in disguise. If all goes well, I’ll rest it for a week or so and then start rehabilitating it. I think I’ll be throwing again in a couple of weeks.”
Thomas should play in Miami opener
Zach Thomas spent the past few weeks teasing some of his injured teammates.
Now he’s injured himself. Perhaps, he suggests, paying the penalty for his spoofing.
The Dolphins’ middle linebacker, who led the team with 131 tackles as a rookie, fractured his left fibula on a kickoff return in Miami’s 38-19 win over Denver on Monday night.
“With Larry Izzo, I was playing with his crutches and stuff and kind of teasing Daniel Stubbs a little bit,” Thomas said. “I think I kind of jinxed myself a little bit. Now I’m on crutches.”
Like wide receivers Fred Barnett, cornerback Sam Madison and defensive end Stubbs - he is expected back by the season opener.
Ray Renfro dead at 67
Ray Renfro, a former receiver for the Cleveland Browns who played in five NFL championship games, died of cancer. He was 67.
Renfro, who also coached for the Dallas Cowboys for four seasons, died in Fort Worth, Texas, on Monday. He played for Cleveland from 1952 to 1963 and coached with the Cowboys from 1968-72.
Renfro was the father of Mike Renfro, who played with the Houston Oilers and Cowboys in the NFL.
Morris looking at suspension
Baltimore Ravens running back Bam Morris is expected to be suspended for the first four games of the NFL season following his second violation of the league’s substance abuse policy, according to broadcast reports from WBFF-TV, WBAL in Baltimore and Fox Sports News.
Switzer’s punishment undecided
Barry Switzer has the support of his players, but not necessarily his boss.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones talked to the NFL about an appropriate punishment for the coach, who was arrested for carrying a loaded, unlicensed gun through an airport, a source told The Associated Press.
One option would be a fine, according to the source.
Asked about possible discipline for Switzer, Jones said:
“I don’t have anything to say at all at this time about any action… . Anything that you read into that is sheer speculation.”
Around the league
The Cincinnati Bengals released fullback Jeff Cothran and defensive lineman Artie Smith, two of last year’s starters… . The Bears added some help to their defensive backfield by signing veteran free agent safety Vince Buck… . The Tennessee Oilers and safety Blaine Bishop, their designated franchise player, are making little progress in contract negotiations… . Tight end Reggie Johnson joined his former team, the Green Bay Packers, to help restock a position depleted by injury and departure… . The Atlanta Falcons signed unrestricted free agent center Adam Schreiber, a 13-year NFL veteran who played for the New York Giants last season, to a two-year contract.