Coach John Fox says Broncos are "ready to roll" entering training camp

Gentlemen, start your metaphors.

After a month's worth of bad vibes played out in capital letters trailing the words "breaking news," the Broncos reported for training camp Wednesday. And as running back Ronnie Hillman pulled his luxury sedan into the players' parking lot, it sported a flat front tire.

So it goes as the Broncos continue a bumpy offseason ride as Super Bowl favorites. They get down to their on-field business Thursday morning with the first practice of training camp.

"I think we're ready to roll," coach John Fox said. "Everybody came back in great shape."

The on-field work might offer some solace over the next three weeks as the Broncos try to leave behind the news of the drunken-driving arrests

Broncos fans line the sideline during opening day of training camp Thursday at Dove Valley. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)

of front-office executives Matt Russell and Tom Heckert, and star outside linebacker Von Miller facing a four-game suspension for allegedly violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy.

Fox said he will go about the business of making sure the players are focused on the work that needs to be done "between those white lines."

"We're going to embark on a very long season and I'm sure there's going to be some adversity as well as some prosperity along the way," Fox said. "This will be no different. There's always a lot of noise. Sometimes it's good. Sometimes it's bad. You had better be able to focus through the noise."

All but one of the Denver players ? including Miller, who had 18? sacks last season ? reported for medical examinations and conditioning tests Wednesday. Rookie defensive tackle Sylvester Williams, a first-round draft pick, was the only no-show. Williams can't participate in team functions until his contract is completed.

Williams' representatives and the Broncos continue to close in on a deal. Williams isn't expected to miss much time with the team if negotiations continue at their current pace.

"The guys who are here are ready to go," said cornerback Champ

Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) starts off the opening day of training camp with center Manny Ramirez on Thursday at Dove Valley. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)

Bailey. "I think everybody understands what's ahead of us and what we need to do."

Bailey, entering his 15th season in the NFL and coming off his 12th Pro Bowl selection, was asked whether this Denver team, despite its recent travails, provides the best opportunity of his career to play in his first Super Bowl.

"I look at it as my only shot," Bailey said. "I don't know what's to be said about next year. I'm looking at right now as my only shot. I hope everybody in that locker room feels the same way, because nothing's guaranteed in this league. We could all be in different places next year."

Once practices get underway Thursday morning, the biggest football-related question on the depth chart will be the offensive

line. With several linemen still working their way back from surgeries, the Broncos have to make some adjustments. Center J.D. Walton (ankle) and guard Chris Kuper (ankle) will open training camp on the physically unable to perform list because they aren't able to practice. Walton, who had surgery last month, isn't expected back in the lineup until late October, at the earliest.

Left tackle Ryan Clady, who recently signed a five-year contract worth $52.5 million, is working back from shoulder surgery. He won't participate fully in practices for at least two weeks.

"My guess is we'll take it slow," Fox said.

"It's going to be a little bit of time," Clady said. "I'm not sure how long it's going to be yet."

The team's players and officials are hoping to put the offseason woes behind them.

"I think we just move on," said wide receiver Wes Welker. "We practice with the guys we have out there and don't worry about anything outside ? all the noise."

Jeff Legwold: jlegwold@denverpost.com or twitter.com/jeff_legwold

Source: http://feeds.denverpost.com/~r/dp-sports-broncos/~3/DNo9_ltEKwU/coach-john-fox-says-broncos-are-ready-roll

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