Broncos 2015: Kenny Anunike does individual drills
By Tylor Walden
Sep 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Kenny Anunike (91) signs jerseys before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Kenny Anunike has waited so long to make his NFL debut. After being sidelined last year with an elbow injury and now a knee that has kept him out for about a month, it appears that debut may not be too far off now.
The Denver Broncos got right back to work on Monday, three days after they defeated the Kansas City Chiefs with the undrafted free agent participating in individual drills. Kenny Anunike was seen on the practice field on Monday as the team prepares for the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football.
.@ANU_NIKE91 looked to be moving well during agility drills at the start of practice today.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) September 21, 2015
While the practice today was light, it was good to see Kenny Anunike out on the field. He has not seen the practice field since he had his knee scoped a month ago. And with him participating in practice on an individual basis, it could mean he is on track to be ready to go for game action.
Gary Kubiak noted that Kenny Anunike looked good during his limited participation, noting that it will be good to be near full strength at this point in the season.
In Kenny Anunike’s absence, the Denver Broncos defense has looked beyond great. Minus some hiccups in the Kansas City game, they look like a brand new version of the Orange Crush defense.
If Kenny Anunike is able to return to the field on Sunday night against Detroit, he could have a huge impact. We already know that the edge rushers in Miller, Ware, Ray, and Barrett can get to the quarterback. Anunike has the linebacker mentality as a defensive end.
Having Anunike on the field at any given moment would just add another player that can get to the quarterback. We saw in his preseason games that he has what it takes to compete at the NFL level. Shedding blockers and stopping the run are going to be key. The Broncos currently rank 18th in run defense.
The progression of Kenny Anunike will be something to look at as the week goes on. If he can go on Sunday, it will be another individual player who could make some big plays for the Orange Crush defense.