Nate

Jackson

The converted receiver is practicing with the first-team offense. Jackson has a chance to impress coaches this offseason with Landon Trusty on injured reserve and Wesley Duke no longer a Bronco.

He was primarily a contributon on special teams.

With Jeb Putzier and Byron Chamberlain ahead of him, Jackson is unlikely to be a factor in ’05. But the Broncos have an excellent history converting receivers, so he’s someone to keep an eye on.

Denver has a lot of inexperience behind Nalen, so the Pro Bowler’s loss will sting. Reserve TE Nate Jackson (groin) is also lost for the rest of the year.

Jackson, a converted wide receiver, was holding off Tony Scheffler as the Broncos’ top receiving tight end before getting injured. His loss means Scheffler will likely see more action in two-tight end sets moving forward.

Scheffler had a screw put into the foot Monday. Normal recovery time from the injury is two months. Nate Jackson will see increased reps in the meantime.

He’ll have an MRI on Monday to determine the extent of the injury.

Scheffler is scheduled to have surgery on Monday and will miss the next two months, putting him out until roughly the start of training camp. The tight end was primed for a potential breakout sophomore year after adding strength in the offseason. Daniel Graham and Nate Jackson will now see more reps.

Jackson didn’t make a lasting impression in his week with the Browns. With Mike Shanahan out of the league, he’ll struggle to find a landing spot.

Jackson will try to impress as a receiving tight end/special teamer.