Stokley doesn't practice because of concussion

ENGLEWOOD • Brandon Stokley's concerns about his health goes beyond his status for the Denver Broncos' next game.

The veteran receiver said he'd have to be "kind of naïve" to not think about his long-term future after suffering what he said was about the 10th concussion of his career Sunday.

"That's a fine line," said Stokley, who didn't practice Wednesday after showing little progress the past few days. "This is what I do, play football. I want nothing more than to play. With this injury, it's so much different than a hamstring or something else, there's really no rehab you can do for it. You have to wait to feel normal again."

Stokley said he has heard stories about retired NFL players having problems because of multiple concussions when they played. For now, Stokley said he wants to play as soon as he feels better, which he hopes is soon.

Coach Mike Shanahan said tests for concussions have improved dramatically over the years and he said those tests can help determine when someone is ready to return. He also understands Stokley's dilemma. He was close to 49ers quarterback Steve Young from the time he was offensive coordinator in San Francisco, and Young was forced into retirement because of concussions.

Young considered coming back to play with the Broncos many years ago.

"When Steve had his concussion, I thought for him to even play another down was crazy," Shanahan said. "When Steve came in and visited with us at that time he was thinking about maybe playing another year or two and I think he would have had the doctors not talked him out of it."

Torain back

Rookie running back Ryan Torain returned to practice for the first time since injuring his elbow in August. He said he felt good and didn't have any problems carrying the ball, although he didn't go through contact drills.

Torain said he will wear a brace on his elbow when he returns. He could play Nov. 2.
"I don't want to wear it in a game but it's protection," Torain said.

Linebacker Boss Bailey (ankle) was held out of practice, along with Stokley. Tight end Tony Scheffler (groin) and running back Selvin Young (groin) were limited in practice.