Notes from the sidelines of Broncos training camp

ENGLEWOOD — Running back Peyton Hillis’ hit on outside linebacker Tim Crowder was so hard that Hillis felt bad afterward.

Hillis, a fullback who is receiving increased repetitions at tailback in single-back sets, laid out Crowder during a tackling drill. Crowder stayed on the ground for a while but eventually got up and returned to practice.

“It hurts me to see a guy laying there,” said Hillis, who apologized to Crowder later in practice. “It breaks my heart because you never know what’s going to happen. You never know what kind of injury a guy has. I’m glad he came up all right.”

Hillis seemed to be running as the third tailback behind LaMont Jordan and Correll Buckhalter as top draft pick Knowshon Moreno’s holdout continues. Hillis still will play fullback in two-back sets.

HIGHLIGHTS AND LOWLIGHTS

The scout team defense and assistant Jay Rodgers had to run a punishment lap when only 10 players were in the huddle. Offensive tackle Tyler Polumbus ran a punishment lap Friday. … Rookie receiver Travis Shelton made a highlight play with a one-handed catch and great open-field move against the starting defense. … Safety Josh Barrett dragged down receiver Brandon Marshall and knocked Marshall’s helmet off with a big hit in 1-on-1 tackling drills. The third time that Barrett and Marshall locked up, Barrett hung onto Marshall’s shirt a little too long for Marshall’s liking, and the receiver shoved him away.

QUOTABLE

“I think early in camp it’s good to do that because you certainly don’t want to go into your first game not having tackled somebody or been tackled.” — coach Josh McDaniels on why he runs live tackling drills

WHAT’S NEXT

The Broncos have two practices today. The first is 8:45-10:30 a.m. The second was moved up 45 minutes and will be 4:45-6 p.m.

FOCUSING ON

Andre Goodman, cornerback: Goodman, who was signed from Miami this offseason, had two interceptions during Saturday’s practice. Goodman had five interceptions last season and said the Broncos secondary could have plenty of interceptions because cornerbacks will be playing off receivers a bit and are being encouraged to aggressively pursue turnovers.

BLOG

“(LaMont) Jordan seemed like a guy who, at age 30, finally realizes he missed out on some opportunities … ‘The injuries I’ve had in the past were a complete lack of preparation for the season,’ Jordan said.” For reports, visit gazettebroncos.freedomblogging.com.

TWEETS

“2nd straight day Broncos run a Wildcat-type play — Orton motions to WR, direct snap to Buckhalter.” Get the Gazette’s camp coverage as soon as something happens on Twitter. Join and follow us @fs3142.