Bell not thrilled about playing fullback

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Sep 7, 2007 | by FRANK SCHWAB

ENGLEWOOD c After carefully measuring his words and giving short answers about a move from tailback to fullback, Mike Bell admitted he didn't know quite what to say.

"This is all new to me right now, man," said Bell, who had

as a

for the Denver Broncos last year. "I'm sorry I'm not like the happiest camper right now. But I've been pretty appreciative I'm still playing. But you have to take it one day at a time and adjust. This is a big time adjustment for me, because I've been playing tailback my whole life.

"So I'm not going to be jumping for joy, but then again, you got to be appreciative I'm still playing football."

Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said this week that Bell probably wasn't excited about moving to fullback.

Bell admitted he was shocked initially by the move but has tried to get used to it. He and Cecil Sapp moved from tailback to fullback before Denver's final preseason game.

"I was shocked but I'm trying to learn you can't be shocked with things that happen, because it's a business," said Bell, who added he planned to stay at 220 pounds to maintain his speed. "You got to be aware and expect the unexpected."

Crowder sits

Rookie end Tim Crowder, who returned from a left ankle injury to play in a preseason game last week, did not practice Thursday because of an injury to the same ankle. That injury could put pressure on end Simeon Rice, who signed this week, to play against Buffalo. Rice, who Shanahan said might play 15-20 snaps Sunday, said he felt great when he came off the field Thursday. However, Rice said he didn't know if he would be ready to play.

Odds and ends

Cornerback Karl Paymah (concussion) didn't return to practice Thursday. He is unlikely to play this week. Defensive tackle Sam Adams, who was held out of practice to rest Wednesday, returned to practice.. .. The Broncos will soon name this year's captains. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has a new initiative this year to put more emphasis on team captains. The captains of some NFL teams will wear a jersey patch with a "C" on it. "That's usually in hockey, eh?" Broncos safety John Lynch said. A league spokesman said the jersey patch is optional.