The Denver Broncos got some great news Wednesday as it appears that they will be getting some reinforcements on the defensive side of the ball soon, not that they really need it. Coach Kubiak indicated after practice today that Demarcus Ware should be returning to practice within the next 4-5 days, and it also appears that he did some individual work before practice today.
Demarcus Ware hit the field about 7:50 am and ran some drills. Take my word for it. He looks good.
— Tom Helmer (@TheTomHelmer) August 16, 2016
Ware has been dealing with back issues all offseason that first arose last season in a week 5 bout with the Oakland Raiders. The issues caused him to miss plenty of time during the regular season a year ago, but he did return in time for the Super Bowl push. While his play was overshadowed by Super Bowl MVP Von Miller, Ware was absolutely lights out in the playoffs as well, most notably against New England in the AFC Championship game and vs. the Panthers in Super Bowl 50.
Despite the great playoff run, Ware missed all of the offseason program this year with a back injury. The team, nor Ware has said much about it, but it is assumed that it is the same back problem that plagued him a season ago, and has only spoken about building strength in his back to be strong enough to handle another 16 game grind.
From coach Kubiak’s comments today, it sounds as if Ware should be back on the field sooner rather than later, which will make this already loaded defense that much stronger.
DeMarcus Ware (back) NFI, is close to returning per Gary Kubiak. Could be back at practice in 4-5 days
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) August 16, 2016
It’s clear with the way that the Broncos have handled Von Miller, Russell Okung, and Aqib Talib that Ware will be eased in very gradually upon his return to the practice field. The Broncos have already made it be known that they plan to utilize Demarcus Ware as primarily a third down pass rusher this season in order to keep him fresh throughout the year and hopefully avoid any flare-ups with the
troublesome back. It would be very surprising if Demarcus Ware participated in any of the preseason games this year.
Ware was brought back to the Broncos under a more team friendly contract after he agreed to restructure back in March with the idea that his role on the team this season is much more about his presence in the locker room than his play on the field. However, that doesn’t mean that the Broncos aren’t going to count on him to bring the heat when he is in the game. A few weeks ago, Von Miller was asked about Demarcus Ware and basically said that he expects the same old Demarcus:
"“To have him, it’s just important. He’s going to give us our best chance to win. When he’s 100 percent, he’s going to give us our best chance to win. He’s DeMarcus Ware. Him at 100 percent, ready to go, there’s not that many things that he can’t do on the football field."
The Broncos are certainly hoping that the rest and strength work they have done can keep that back of his healthy for one more run at a Super Bowl. Make no mistake, the Broncos do not win Super Bowl 50 without Demarcus Ware, and if they are going to reload and do it again, they are going to need Demarcus firing all cylinders in January. For Ware, getting back on the practice field in the near future is certainly a positive sign that he can be that dominant force come playoff time, and lead this defense to yet another Super Bowl victory.
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