Hamilton still waiting to return to Broncos

ENGLEWOOD -- Weeks have passed since Denver Broncos guard Ben Hamilton suffered a concussion early in training camp, and Hamilton continues to wait for clearance to return to practice.

Hamilton still is feeling effects from the concussion. He felt sick when he was working out a few weeks ago, so doctors told him to stop working out until the issue subsided. The symptoms have gone on much longer than usual, and the Broncos are becoming concerned.

“I’m just keeping my fingers crossed,” coach Mike Shanahan said. “It’s getting a little scary now. It’s been awhile.”

Hamilton has been replaced in the starting lineup by Chris Myers. Even if Hamilton is cleared, he probably will need a few weeks to get back in shape. Shanahan said the team will give Hamilton as much time as necessary.

“You never know with those concussions, that’s why you have to be so careful,” Shanahan said.

Another injury

Shanahan showed up to his Monday press conference wearing sunglasses. His left eye was swollen and red.

“When it’s fourth and 5 on your 9-yard line with four minutes left and you don’t make it, and you go home and your wife hits you, this is what happens,” Shanahan said jokingly, referring to his fourth-down decision Sunday against Jacksonville.

Shanahan then said he touched a cat Sunday night, which set off an allergic reaction.

Communications problems

The Broncos had to call two timeouts late in the third quarter because there was a communication problem between the sideline and the device in quarterback Jay Cutler’s helmet. Cutler said the communication devices in helmets aren’t completely reliable and added he has heard stadium concessions communications in his helmet on occasion.

“They’re not the finest contraptions they have out,” Cutler said.