ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Optimism surrounding Clinton McDonald's health shifted to concern Tuesday.
The veteran defensive tackle missed Thursday's walk-through to visit a doctor regarding his shoulder. McDonald sat out OTAs with the shoulder issue, but regained his strength enough to receive clearance prior to training camp. He is slotted to provide depth at defensive end and an inside pass rush.
McDonald restructured his two-year, $7-million contract when it was clear he would not pass a June 11 physical. As a result, McDonald changed his base salary this season from $3 million to $1 million. He can earn his money back through roster and game day incentives. However, this development creates pause. McDonald sits third on the depth chart behind Adam Gotis and DeMarcus Walker.
He had hoped the injury was in his past.
"It was humbling and shocking to have to sit out (during offseason OTAs). It was hard not to contribute," McDonald told Denver7. "I am looking forward to getting back out there with my teammates."
McDonald looked solid early in camp, drawing comparisons to veteran inside rusher Antonio Smith from the Super Bowl 50 team. The 31-year-old posted five sacks last year with Tampa Bay. The Broncos are covered if he misses time, but the situation could change because of a Gotsis' off-field issue. Months after he turned himself into police, Gotsis remains under investigation for a rape accusation in Georgia from 2013.
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