Broncos' Marshall enthused about recovery

ENGLEWOOD • Brandon Marshall is ahead of schedule on his conditioning workouts. He even caught a few soft tosses with both hands this week, a sign of progress.

Physically and mentally, the Denver Broncos receiver said he is set to return from a severe right arm injury in which he lacerated an artery, vein, nerve, two tendons and three muscles. But in an unusual and colorful way Thursday, Marshall let it be known that his right hand isn't fully healthy.

"I can do everything with my right hand that I was doing before the accident but I'm still wiping my butt with my left hand," Marshall said. "It's not as strong. My right hand is not as strong."

In a little more than six weeks, the Broncos begin training camp. Marshall, who also said he has some nerve damage in his right arm, sounded confident that would be enough time to strengthen his arm and hand and be ready for the first practice July 25. His three-month recovery time will be up June 22, when he can start catching live passes and working out to get ready for camp.

Marshall hadn't spoken at length to the media since late March, shortly after he injured his arm. He spoke Thursday, the last day of Denver's offseason minicamp practices, and said he used to be nervous about the prospect of catching passes for the first time since his injury. His rapid progress has eased his concerns.

"Every day it's getting stronger and stronger," Marshall said. "It's amazing to be where I am right now."

Marshall isn't expecting the injury to slow him down. He caught 102 passes last season and wants a repeat this year.

"I still have nerve damage, but I'm still going to catch a hundred balls this year," Marshall said.

Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said he thinks Marshall will be ready for training camp. Shanahan said if he stays on schedule, he will have enough time before camp begins to get ready.

"He'll have been catching balls for a month straight and he'll be working out full speed," Shanahan said.

Marshall said he won't take any breaks before camp. The players have off next week but Marshall said he will continue to work out. Even though his hand isn't 100 percent yet, he isn't worried about testing his injury.

"I can't wait until that day comes," Marshall said.

Barrett signed

Safety Josh Barrett, a seventh-round pick in April, became the first of Denver's nine drafted players to sign with the team. Terms of his deal were not disclosed. He will have a chance to make the team in a special-teams role as a rookie.