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5 takeaways from Day 4 of Broncos training camp
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- 5 takeaways from Day 4 of Broncos training camp
The Denver Broncos were back on the practice field for Day 4 of training camp on Tuesday.
"So [today was] our second day with pads a little bit longer on the field," Broncos coach Sean Payton said after practice. "I thought it went really well. I think by and large, when you watch us at this stage, I think we're in pretty good shape. You're still building that conditioning level, and then them getting used to wearing the pads."
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Denver 's defense ranked among the best units in the NFL last season, and it's projected to do so again in 2025. Facing that kind of opposition every day at practice will provide valuable reps for the team's offense.
"I think there's that iron sharpens iron," Payton said. "I just finished talking about these physical practices, and the necessity of what we're building and how we go about doing it. I think it's fantastic because it's a back and forth. There are going to be some days coming off this field that you guys will feel like one side of the ball, maybe, and that's the ebb and flow of a training camp. That competition, not only offense and defense, but the competition within the position groups, will bring us to a higher level."
Now, here are five quick takeaways from Tuesday's practice.
Broncos training camp takeaways Day 4
1. Broncos injury report: Wide receiver A.T. Perry ( ankle ; PUP) and linebackers Drew Sanders ( foot ) and Alex Singleton ( thumb ) remain sidelined. The Denver Post 's Luca Evans also spotted rookie outside linebacker Que Robinson walking with a bit of a limp after practice, but it " didn't look serious ." Payton indicated after practice that Singleton will be back in the building on Wednesday. "I think [he had] surgery today, and we're looking at the thumb," Payton said. "He'll be back, I want to say I think tomorrow afternoon. Then really it's more about just the wound and the incision. He'll probably miss a week."
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2. Courtland Sutton reacts to new deal: The Broncos gave Sutton a four-year, $92 million contract extension on Monday. "I'm just grateful," Suton said. "I have a heart of gratitude for this opportunity, and I'm just grateful." The 29-year-old receiver is now signed through the 2029 season, and he wants to help the franchise return to the top of the sport. "It is legacy, being able to be here, signing the contract. The biggest thing for me was being able to be here and bring back the years that Broncos fans have known. The organization has such a long historic tradition of being successful. You all know that I've been here through the thick and the thin. There's a lot of promise on the other side of the horizon here. To be able to be here and have more years of being able to chase greatness with this great team that we have, and with this great organization, that was one thing I was looking forward to." Payton was asked after practice why it was important to re-sign Sutton. "For so many reasons," Payton said. "Number 1, I mean he epitomizes what we're looking for. Then you match that with his play, and I mean just each box you're checking, leadership, work ethic. I'm excited for him and for the club. Sometimes they take a little bit of time, but I think throughout the process, there was never that feeling like it wasn't going to get done. It was just a matter of when."
3. Levelle Bailey stepping up at linebacker: With Singleton and Sanders both sidelined, it sounds like Bailey, a second-year linebacker, is taking advantage of his increased reps . "He's had a few good days," Payton said of Bailey. "Real good days. I think you're getting a player into his second year with confidence. He's in good shape. He looks like an NFL linebacker, too. ... I would say I've clearly seen a jump from Year 1 to Year 2 in his confidence."
4. RJ Harvey 's rookie ups and downs: Harvey is an exciting young running back, but he's also inexperienced. The back had an impressive cutback run for a 15-yard gain on a play that could have been blown up in the backfield. Excellent. Shortly thereafter, he was blown up in pass protection . Not ideal. He's a rookie, though, and these kinds of growing pains are expected. "I think look for him specifically, the protections, the speed of the game [are a work in progress]," Payton said of Harvey. "He had a run today that was something, and we kind of turned and looked at each other. There's that learning curve for all of those young players, and some of it, it happens a little quicker maybe than others, but he's doing exceptional."
5. Riley Moss ascending as a second-year starter: Playing rookie Jahdae Barron in the slot might end up being an easy decision for defensive coordinator Vance Joseph if Moss continues to impress on the outside. "He really has good length," Payton said of Moss. "I've talked about his situational awareness. He's smart, and he can tackle. All the things you're looking for in a corner. He's having another real good start to camp. He's in great shape, and I think he's got a high ceiling." Broncos safety Brandon Jones noted last week that Moss has become more comfortable in the defense. "You can see his comfort level has grown; he's physically gifted and can do everything," Jones said. "I think his overall confidence and comfortability to playing in the system, I've seen a lot of growth from him."
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The Broncos are set to practice again on Wednesday with four more practices on deck this week ( view the full training camp schedule ). Denver will play three preseason games in August ahead of the regular season kicking off in September.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: 5 takeaways from Day 4 of training camp
