EKUBAN RETURNS AFTER INJURY

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Jun 7, 2008 | by FRANK SCHWAB

ENGLEWOOD - When Ebenezer Ekuban was young, the Denver Broncos defensive end dealt with injuries. He always bounced back fast.

Recovery doesn't come as quickly at age 31. Rehabilitating from a torn right Achilles' tendon that finished his 2007 season in the second preseason game has been difficult.

"I always seemed to bounce back a lot faster and feel a lot better," Ekuban said. "With this injury here, it's taking a lot longer to get in that football mode, in football shape.

"The older you get, it's a lot harder. But hey, I got to keep running with these young guys and keep up with them."

The past year might seem like several to Ekuban. A year ago, he was a big part of the Broncos' defensive line plans. Ekuban is a backup right now. He is working some with the first team, but is behind starters John Engelberger and Elvis Dumervil in the rotation.

Usually when the Broncos' defensive line is brought up ends, Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder, who were first- and second-round picks a year ago, are the topic of conversation.

Ekuban understands. Even though he is working ahead of Moss and Crowder, the coaching staff expects them to be a big part of the defense for years to come.

"First- and second-round picks, it's their time to shine," Ekuban said. "I realize that. That doesn't mean I'm not going to go out there and do the best I can to regain a starting position. They have to beat me out. That's my mindset."

Ekuban, who was second on the Broncos with seven sacks in 2006 and second among defensive linemen with 78 tackles, could help the Broncos' line. He'll have to get back to his old form. He said he is still favoring his injured Achilles' tendon. Physically he said he feels pretty good, and hoped with more practice repetitions the confidence in his injured right leg will return.

"It's probably more mental than anything," Ekuban said. "I have to get to the point where I don't think about it."

Nalen surgery

Center Tom Nalen had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Friday to repair damaged cartilage, but that should not keep him out of training camp in late July.

"Anybody having a scope should be able to play within two weeks," coach Mike Shanahan said. "Where we're at right now and the shape Tom is in, he should be full speed by the time we go to camp."

Although the surgery was relatively minor and he should recover in a few weeks, Nalen is 37 years old and coming off a major injury. He tore a biceps muscle last season and went on injured reserve. The Broncos signed veteran Casey Wiegmann in the offseason to be Nalen's backup.

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