Cutler reminds Favre of himself

ENGLEWOOD • People like to compare Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler to Brett Favre, the strong-armed gunslinger of the New York Jets.

Favre sees the similarities, too.

"I guess I can see the comparisons," Favre said at his Wednesday press conference, which is archived on the Jets' Web site. "He's probably a little more advanced as far as being in a passing offense and stuff when he came into the league than I was. From a physical standpoint, I see us doing a lot of the same things at that age."

Cutler grew up watching Favre, so it isn't a big surprise he resembles the future hall of famer.

"We both take chances and we both throw into tight coverage," Cutler said. "We both make some throws that we probably regret after watching them on film. It is all part of it.

It is how I have always played and probably the way he has always played."

Cutler was asked Wednesday if he has a stronger arm than Favre. Cutler, who made waves earlier this year when he said he had a stronger arm than John Elway, laughed and said he might.

"I think he may have given me a run back in his 20s, but I think I got him now," Cutler said.

Cutler has better statistics through his 32 NFL starts than Favre did through his first 32 games. Cutler has more yards (7,534-6,995) and touchdowns (48-39). The two will face each other for the second time when the Broncos visit the Jets on Sunday.

"I think the guy can be pretty darn good," Favre said. "He has been good up to this point and I think he'll continue to get better."

Pinnock practice

Fullback Andrew Pinnock, who spent the last five seasons with San Diego, was signed Wednesday. He is coming off knee surgery and had been out of football since being released Sept. 1, but said he felt surprisingly good during practice. He said he didn't know when he would play.

"If the coaches put me in the plan, and say ‘We'd like you to play,' I know I can," Pinnock said, referring to Sunday's game at New York. "But I think they're not going to rush me back."

Having Pinnock could allow the Broncos to leave Spencer Larsen at linebacker or Peyton Hillis at tailback.

Injury report

Receiver Eddie Royal (toe) and safety Marlon McCree (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday. Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said McCree likely is out this week. Royal's status is uncertain.

Linebackers Nate Webster and D.J. Williams both returned from knee injuries to practice on a limited basis. Cornerback Champ Bailey and running back Selvin Young, who are both dealing with groin injuries, weren't able to practice in full Wednesday. They were listed as limited participants.

Injured Jets practice

New York linebacker David Harris and safety Eric Smith both returned to practice for the first time since suffering injuries last month, the AP reported. Harris (groin) and Smith (head) were both listed as limited participants in practice in the Jets' first injury report. Coach Eric Mangini didn't address their availability for the game.