Newly-signed running back Justin Fargas emerged from his first training camp practice with the Broncos on Wednesday saying he felt good, he felt healthy.
The Broncos can only hope he stays that way after seeing injuries shelve their top three running backs. The tattered state of Denver's running backs corps led to the acquisition of Fargas, a former Oakland Raider who rushed for more than 1,000 yards in 2007 and had some of his best games against Denver.
"I had seven years in Oakland. That chapter is done," said Fargas, who was released by the Raiders in March. "This is a new beginning for me. Obviously, I see the opportunity here. I want to make the most of it."
Fargas joins Denver at a time when they're missing starter Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) and backup Correll Buckhalter (back/neck stinger). They've been sidelined since being hurt during the team's first full-squad workout on Aug. 1.
The first running back the Broncos signed to help fill in for them, LenDale White, hurt his leg on his second day of practice with the team. There is no word on the severity of the injury or a timetable for his return,
The team's three other tailbacks, Lance Ball, Bruce Hall and Toney Baker, all have little or no NFL experience.
Buckhalter could be back by early next week but Moreno is still a week to 10 days from returning and may see little or no action in the team's exhibition games, which commence Sunday at Cincinnati.Fargas, who passed his physical Tuesday and then signed a two-year deal with the Broncos, said he is fully recovered from an arthroscopic procedure on his knee last spring. He said now that's he's put on the pads and practiced, it won't take him long to get in football shape and he said he could play in Sunday's exhibition opener if called upon.
"I'm going to learn as much as I can right now,'' Fargas said. "It's a new offense, a new system, a new team, new city. I'm just getting adjusted, but I'm expecting to learn fast and get in there and contribute."
He had a solid track record with the Raiders, running for 1,009 yards in 14 games three years ago, including a 146-yard performance at Denver. His rushing total slipped to 853 yards in 2008 (he had 204 yards in two games against the Broncos), and 491 last season as the Raiders began using Michael Bush and Darren McFadden with greater frequency.
``I saw what he did in college (at USC) and he's had a few good years in the league, too, so we are happy to add his experience," said Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton. "Hopefully, he can help us out."
And stay healthy.
Justin Fargas Looks to Bolster Depleted Broncos Backfield
Aug 11, 2010 – 3:21 PM
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