ESPN’s Bill Williamson writes in his AFC West blog that Broncos running back Ryan Torain looks like he may be ready to play weeks sooner than expected after breaking his elbow, possibly ready for the Oct 20 game against New England.

RMN has an article on the position battle at middle linebacker, Nate Webster starts this week and a decision will be made on the starter before the final preseason game.

Running Back Michael Pittman talks about his new role as fullback in the Broncos Offense at CBS4 Denver.

Yahoo Sports has an article on Shanahan’s offseason moves and overall revamp of the Broncos.

R.I.P. Gene Upshaw, the former NFL guard and NFLPA executive director died Wednesday night of pancreatic cancer just days after being diagnosed. This DP write-up has comments from Bronco cornerback and NFLPA executive board member Dominique Foxworth as well as Broncos owner Pat Bowlen.

WR Eddie Royal is making waves with his impressive play this preseason, the rookie is the focus of Denver Post’s article “Rookie could be Royal pain for opponents” the Rocky Mountain News writes “Broncos rookie has Royal touch” and the Sporting News write-up (via AP) states “Broncos rookie Royal makes good on pledge,” referring to his goal to stand out in camp, contribute to the team and not seem like a rookie.

Broncos punters Brett Kern and Sam Paulescu seem to be in a very close battle for the starting job. CBS4 Denver’s article takes a look at their performances against Dallas as does the Denver Post in brief. The DP article also mentions center Tom Nalen may return to practice soon but will likely not play in the last two preseason games. The DP piece also claims that Niko Koutovides played with confidence and led the defense well in the Dallas game. D.J. Williams stated Koutovides is a “natural leader.”

Former Denver Post writer Bill Williamson feels Cutler is further along than the other two quarterbacks taken before him in the 2006 draft. The Denver Post sheds light on Ebenezer Ekuban’s current role with the team and notes Boss Bailey is healing well from his ankle sprain and hopes to be ready for the season opener, his brother Champ Bailey returned to practice after being sidelined with a hamstring. CBS4 Denver has a nice story about a little girl who was the victim of a drive-by shooting, eight year old Sierra Moore got to meet the Broncos Cheerleaders hours before the Dallas game on Saturday.

A variety of articles surfaced today on the eve of the Broncos hosting two-a-day practices with the visiting Dallas Cowboys.

CBS4 Denver‘s 8/12 Training camp report quotes Mike Shanahan and Brandon Stokley. Another article surfacing today on the CBS4 news site features DE Jarvis Moss and his um… love of the Cowboys growing up… in addition, last weeks standout linebacker Wesley Woodyard relays why he is a little bit annoyed lately.

Sam Adams of the Rocky Mountain News asks Little T.O. if he’s ready for this week’s inevitable comparisons to “big” T.O. RMN also has an article on the upcoming practices titled Dove Rally: Cowboys are Coming. In it, some Broncos comment that practicing against a different team is fun, while Tight End Daniel Graham seems to disagree. RMN also has an AP article on Tony Romo and the botched autograph.

DenverBroncos.com’s Week 16: Coming Together report features a few more quotables from Shanahan and Stokley in addition to some short talks with Ebenezer Ekuban and one of Horvil’s favorite Bronco rookies Anthony Alridge:

With his history as a bit of a Cowboys fan, Alridge was asked if he thought the Cowboys had an aura or mystique around them.

“I really don’t know, because I think there’s an aura about the Denver Broncos,” he said. “We’re a great team and we’re going to prove ourselves this year.”

Finally, Horvil chimes in with the first reply to the Denver Post’s article: Big Bad Cowboys ride into town.

CBS4 Denver posted a handful of quotes from broncos head coach Mike Shanahan. He seems pleased with the overall play of the offensive line in the Houston game and answers questions regarding the status of some player injuries, here is an excerpt:

On LB Louis Green’s injury status (concussion/neck)

“Louis Green is much better. He will not play this week. Hopefully he gets cleared at the end of this week and the numbness goes away and the tingling sensation that he has in his fingers goes away. If it does then he will be ready to go.”

On whether C Tom Nalen (knee) is improving

“Yes, he is. He is feeling better. He was still not good enough to go today, but according to ‘Greek’ (Head Athletic Trainer Steve Antonopulos) there was improvement, so that’s a good sign.”

Guard Montrae Holland is now practicing with the team. He comments on the hard work he was put through to slim down and whether he will win back his position as a starter:

“I’ll tell you what, I’d rather practice any day than push them sleds all day,” Holland said, looking back out onto the field that became his personal exile island, where he sweated off more than 25 pounds.

Holland worked with the second team offensive line but fully anticipates he’ll regain his starting job by the time the season starts.

“Oh yes. Man, I don’t care. I’m a starter in my heart and I’m going to do everything I can to get there,” said Holland, who started all 16 games at right guard a year ago.

Source NFL.com via AP