Denver’s Rod Smith recovering, back at practice

The Denver Broncos may soon be getting a longtime teammate back in the game. Rod Smith, who was placed on the team’s PUP list before the start of the season, was practicing Wednesday, and according to head coach Mike Shanahan, the 37 year old receiver could be ready to play Monday night against the Packers.

Smith’s return for the game could be pivotal, too. It would certainly help the Broncos injury-plagued corps if another receiver was back, and, perhaps more importantly, it would give the team a motivational boost to have him back.

Reports make it obvious that his teammates are excited to see him catching balls in practice.

With every pass Smith caught in warmups, the chants of “We love Rod” from the defensive backs grew louder.

In his stead, Brandon Stokley has proven himself to be a great offseason pickup for the Broncos. He’s averaging 14.6 yards per catch this season, and, as the team’s number two wide receiver last weekend against the Steelers, Stokley caught 5 passes for 70 yards and a score. If Smith does return, he’ll probably see a limited role though he’s adamant on the fact that he’s a tough receiver.

“I feel I’m tougher than most people,” Smith said earlier this year. “Pain to me is secondary.”

You’ve got to love quotes like that.