Moreno makes camp debut, will play Friday against 49ers

ENGLEWOOD • Running back Knowshon Moreno didn’t look rusty during his first live tackling drill — not when he crashed into linebacker D.J. Williams or when he twisted and turned to stay on his feet after rookie linebacker Lee Robinson tried throwing him to the ground.

The Denver Broncos’ top draft pick is behind after missing 12 full-squad training camp practices while holding out. But after Moreno’s first practice Sunday, coach Josh McDaniels confirmed the rookie will make his preseason debut Friday at San Francisco.

“Yeah, absolutely,” McDaniels said.

Moreno said he was a little sick to his stomach Saturday night anticipating his first practice. But the butterflies disappeared quickly once he took on Williams, who outweighs him by more than 30 pounds.

“I needed some contact getting out here the first day,” Moreno said.

Moreno moved up the depth chart when LaMont Jordan dropped out of practice early because of a right leg injury. Jordan tried getting back into practice but was forced out by trainers. Jordan and Correll Buckhalter are listed ahead of Moreno at tailback.

Physically, Moreno looked great. He showed off the quickness and agility that caused the Broncos to ignore their needs on defense to select him 12th. The only thing keeping Moreno from more playing time is his command of the playbook.

“Missing those days hurt, not being here,” Moreno said. “But I’m in the playbook, I’m getting here early with the coach and I’m studying.”