ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Marquette King did not practice Friday, creating an intriguing decision for the Broncos.
With King dealing with a groin issue in his punting leg -- he's listed as doubtful on the injury report -- the Broncos must consider multiple options. Cut King, and move on, absorbing a reasonable cap hit. Release another player, like safety Shamarko Thomas, while keeping King and activating practice squad punter Colby Wadman. All signs are pointing toward Wadman making his pro debut Sunday against the Jets.
The issue becomes this: Would the Broncos trust a compromised King over a healthy Wadman, who has never punted in a preseason or a regular season game? Given how poorly King punted against Baltimore and Kansas City -- he is believed to sustained the injury against the Chiefs -- it's difficult to see the Broncos trusting King. He has a been a disappointment since signing a three-year contract as the Broncos moved on from Riley Dixon.
King ranks 22nd in the NFL with a 44.1 average despite playing three games in altitude. Wadman has impressed special teams coach Tom McMahon.
"I have very high confidence in him. He does a great job of hanging the ball up. He's a good directional punter," McMahon said. "Consistent production is what we've seen so far."
McMahon, pictured above, said King's struggles were not related to an injury, though he left an out that it could have impacted him against the Chiefs.
For Wadman, he's keeping his head down, waiting for the call. He took all work as the punter and the holder on snaps this week.
"I just have to be ready. I putting my work in and the guys said they believe in me," said Wadman, who worked as a pizza delivery guy as he attempted to realize his NFL dream. "I gave it three years after college to see if I could make it. I have put everything into it."
Wadman, who starred at UC Davis, insisted that MetLife Stadium would not affect him. While he played his college games at small venues, he punted at Oregon his senior year.
"The stadium won't matter," Waldman said.
Veldheer out
Right tackle Jared Veldheer (bruised knee) did not practice Friday, meaning he is expected to be ruled out for the Jets game. Billy Turner is slated to start in his place. He played well over three quarters against the Chiefs.
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Want Broncos news? Denver7 Broncos insider Troy E. Renck is your source. He talks to the players, covers the games and reports scoops on Denver7 and the Denver7 app. He is a CU grad who has covered pro sports in Colorado since 1996, including 14 years at The Denver Post. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and TheDenverChannel.com’s Broncos page. Troy welcomes most of your emails at Troy.Renck@kmgh.com.
