BRONCOS NOTES: Cornerback Shoate making up for lost time

ENGLEWOOD - In 2004, cornerback Jeff Shoate was a promising rookie for the Denver Broncos. He hasn’t played in a regular-season game since.

Shoate spent 2005 on injured reserve because of a knee injury, then was on the practice squad last year.

Since he was drafted, the Broncos added cornerbacks Dre Bly, Domonique Foxworth, Karl Paymah and Darrent Williams, so Shoate has been somewhat forgotten.

However, Shoate has played well in this training camp. On Thursday, with some defensive backs injured, Shoate played with the starters on the nickel defense, which uses five defensive backs. He played ahead of Paymah, who had been right behind Champ Bailey, Bly and Foxworth on the depth chart.

“It’s been a quiet career for me so far,” Shoate said. “It’s been a slow process. I got frustrated at times, but this year my main focus is on playing and being healthy.”

Shoate said he finally feels healthy. He has battled knee problems for a few years, but said he is past them. He said he feels optimistic after having a good camp.

“I think I’m a lot faster,” Shoate said. “I think I’m right where I was when they drafted me.”

WARREN, LYNCH REST

Defensive tackle Gerard Warren was held out of practice to give him a breather. Sam Adams, the other starter at defensive tackle, has been held out of many practices during camp to make sure he is healthy for the season opener, and Shanahan said he thought Warren deserved a rest as well.

Safety John Lynch was held out of the morning practice, but participated in the afternoon. Lynch bruised his sternum earlier this week, but Shanahan said the injury wasn’t serious.

“It was more preventative than anything,” Shanahan said about holding Lynch out in the morning.