April 18, 2008

The Broncos are loading up on second-tier receivers in the hope that one of them will emerge as their No. 2 wideout, so they can keep Brandon Stokley in his natural position, which is the slot. However, sources say the recent run on pass catchers could also be a sign of the club’s growing concern about WR Brandon Marshall as he recovers from the severe arm injury he suffered last month. Denver signed veteran WR Darrell Jackson this week, and he will compete with another offseason signee, Keary Colbert, to start opposite Marshall. The Broncos also signed former Chiefs WR Samie Parker this week, but he’s a long shot to get a starting nod. Marshall, who suffered lacerations to an artery, vein, nerve and tendons when he put his arm through a television while wrestling with his brother, is expected to miss three or four months while he rehabs. Marshall was adamant that he’d be ready for training camp, but it could be a more difficult comeback than he once thought. Now Denver has some insurance at receiver, should Marshall be out longer than anticipated.