After missing his rookie season because of injury, Domenik Hixon returned to the Denver Broncos with a simple goal.

“First and foremost is making the team,” he said. “People lose sight that there are still cuts.”

Hixon could take the first step toward making the 53-man roster tonight when the Broncos open the preseason against the 49ers in San Francisco.

A wide receiver and kick returner, Hixon spent his rookie year on the reserve/non-football injury list because of a stress fracture in his left foot.

“It was frustrating, but everything happens for a reason,” Hixon said. “We were doing everything possible, but the bone wasn’t healing fast enough.”

After two weeks of training camp, Hixon insists his foot has healed and said he can’t wait to get on the field. And he wants to be sure he’s ready when that time comes.

“I’m working on making sure I know the plays to a tee before I come out of the huddle,” said Hixon, who was the team’s fourth-round draft pick last year. “I feel real confident right now about learning. They simplified the playbook.”

Hixon spends an hour after each practice reviewing the playbook. His teammates have been helpful on the field.

“(Brandon) Stokley, Javon (Walker) and Rod (Smith) like to coach,” Hixon said. “They’re great. ... We got a great group of veterans who teach.”

Hixon said he isn’t worried about how many touchdowns he will score.

“Personal goals are great,” Hixon said. “But if I catch six touchdowns and we lose, it doesn’t mean anything to me.”

Hixon’s parents moved to the U.S. from Neukirchen, Germany, when he was 12 so he could play football.

“It was a childhood dream of mine,” the former University of Akron captain said. “Going up against the best”

Hixon, who talks to his parents every day, said his family is eager to see him play against the best.

“It puts back into perspective what you’re doing is for a reason,” he said. “My parents are huge fans. They’ve been my biggest support staff.”

He said the best part of joining the NFL is being a part of an elite group.

“To be here is a lot of people’s dreams,” Hixon said. “That’s the biggest rush. Being here in the NFL is definitely a blessing.”