Bailey practices, hopes to play in Atlanta

ENGLEWOOD • Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey was a limited participant at practice Thursday, the first time he has practiced since suffering a groin injury Oct. 20 at New England.

“I’m not exactly where I want to be, but I’m making great progress,” Bailey said.

Coach Mike Shanahan said Bailey “didn’t look too bad.”

The Broncos play Sunday at Atlanta — near Bailey’s hometown of Folkston, Ga. — and he wants to play. “It’s back at home — it would mean everything,” he said.

Running back Selvin Young (groin) missed practice for the second straight day but hasn’t been ruled out of Sunday’s game. Safety Marlon McCree (ankle) and linebackers D.J. Williams (knee) and Nate Webster (knee) have been ruled out.

No more Marshall plan

There’s no need to wonder what receiver Brandon Marshall has in store for his next touchdown celebration because he said his days of planning ahead are over.

Marshall, who was more subdued than usual during his Thursday press conference, said he won’t repeat the almost-celebration that caused a stir last week. After Marshall scored the game-winning touchdown at Cleveland, he pulled a glove out of his pants as part of his planned celebration to symbolize unity after Barack Obama was elected president. He was stopped by fellow receiver Brandon Stokley, who feared officials would throw a penalty flag.

“I’m not a guy who sits at home trying to create different antics in the end zone,” Marshall said. “That was just a special week. That’s all that was.”

Shanahan praises Bell

Running back Tatum Bell, who was signed Tuesday, made a positive impression on Shanahan during his first two days of practice.
“He’s in better football shape than I anticipated,” Shanahan said.

Bell is likely to play Sunday at Atlanta.