If the Denver Broncos defense was missing any energy or swagger through the first half of training camp, they got it all back today with the return of cornerback Aqib Talib.
Talib, one of the loudest and proudest personalities in the National Football League, was on the practice field for the first time on Monday after suffering a gunshot wound to his right leg in an incident on June 5.
While Talib is rarely ever quiet on a situation, today he made it very clear that he would not be discussing this issue.
“The situation is still under review, so we got to respect that process,” Talib said after practice on Monday. “So I’m not going to talk about that right now.”
The Dallas police are still investigating the incident, as well as the NFL. Since both investigations are still ongoing, there is a chance that the league could suspend Talib; however, head coach Gary Kubiak isn’t concerned about that.
“I’m expecting Aqib to be there. All of our work is toward him getting ready to play and getting him to (the Week 1 game against the Carolina Panthers),” Kubiak said. “And if he makes the progress I’ve watched him make the last three or four days, hopefully we are talking about him getting some time against the (Los Angeles) Rams.”
The Broncos play the Rams in their third preseason game on August 27, which gives Talib plenty of time to get back into football form. While Talib doesn’t want to put a timeline on his return, he is confident in the process.
“I don’t want to put a number on it, but from what I did today I feel pretty good,” Talib said. “But we have time, so I’m going to keep working with the best training staff in the world — (head athletic trainer Steve Antonopulos) “Greek” and his crew — and stay at it.”
Although Talib didn’t give insight on a timeline for his full return to the field, Kubiak said it would be a very similar progression as Von Miller — a week to 10 days until he’s a full participant. Although he isn’t there quiet yet, he’s very excited to be back.
“Sitting on that sideline, being away from football, you see how important it is to you,” Talib said. “Definitely learn to love the game a little more.”
One of the greatest aspects of Talib, along with his ability to be a shutdown corner, happens to be one of the things he’s missed the most while sidelined during camp.
“I’m one of those guys who’s kind of vocal about getting the energy level back up,” Talib said. “That’s one of the things you miss about being on the sideline, not being able to get the guys going. I’ve definitely missed it and look forward to getting back on the field.”
Because of his exuberant personality, Talib isn’t just a fan favorite; he’s a favorite inside the Broncos organization from all levels.
“The love around the building from the rookies to John Elway has been great since June 5,” Talib said. “All the text messages, all the calls (and) all the welcome backs today, there was a bunch of love out here today. I definitely felt it.”
The Broncos defense has looked very good in the first half of training camp, but there is no doubt that Talib will only make them better — both with his play and with his contagious personality.
While today Talib was mum on the incident that caused him to miss some of training camp, he will be anything but that for this team next season.
