Broncos showing their faith in Chamberlain

ENGLEWOOD - When Byron Chamberlain signed with the Denver Broncos in May it appeared he would be one of many tight ends on the roster vying for playing time. But since Chamberlain signed, the Broncos have shown how much faith they have in him.

Chamberlain worked as the first-team tight end in Denver's June minicamp, and he's taken almost every snap with the first team during the first four days of training camp.

Chamberlain is far from a lock to be the starter by the season opener, considering it's six weeks away. But he leads the race to replace Shannon Sharpe, who announced he would retire less than a week after Chamberlain signed.

"I'm looking for some good things out of him," coach Mike Shanahan said Friday.

Part of what helped Chamberlain pass Jed Weaver, O.J. Santiago, Jeb Putzier and Patrick Hape on the depth chart is his knowledge of the offense. Chamberlain played for the Broncos from 1995-2000, and he had no trouble picking the offense back up.

"They know exactly what they're going to get from me," Chamberlain said. "They know exactly what I bring to the table in the running game, the passing game and my competitiveness. And they know I really know the offense so they can trust me to go out there and not have many mental breakdowns."

Chamberlain, who turns 33 in October, made the commitment to come to training camp in top shape.

Chamberlain came in weighing 242 pounds, according to Shanahan, and said it was probably the best shape he's been in since his rookie season.

"There's a big difference when you're trying to get in shape during camp, and you come to camp and you're already in shape," Chamberlain said.

Chamberlain said he's a better all-around tight end than when he was with Denver the first time because he's improved as a blocker.

"I'm never going to be a Dwayne Carswell out there manhandling guys, but with age and the years and the repetitions, my techniques are better in the running game," Chamberlain said.

Broncos tight ends coach Brian Pariani said: "He can get the job done (blocking) when we run the ball. That's the key. If you can't block in this offense as a tight end you can't play."

Chamberlain's most prodcutive seasons with Denver were 1999 and 2000 (combined 54 catches for 771 yards). Then he caught 91 passes in two seasons with Minnesota before he experienced a poor 2003 season.

He tested positive for ephedra and was suspended for the first four games. The Vikings waived him in September. Chamberlain signed with Washington, where he had four catches in four games.

Today, Chamberlain's a firstteamer, at least for now.

"The one thing you realize in this game is there's no guarantees," Chamberlain said. "Just because you're No. 1 today doesn't mean you won't be No. 3 tomorrow. It's a motivating thing for me to say 'These guys have confidence in me so I need to show them why they put me at No. 1 right now.' "

CAMP REPORT

What's next: The Broncos return to practice today after having Sunday off. The Broncos practice at 8:30 a.m. with gates opening at 7:15 a.m. and have an afternoon practice at 3:50 p.m. with gates opening at 3 p.m. The Broncos return to their team facilities after practicing Saturday morning at Invesco Field at Mile High.

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