Quinton

Carter

The 45th overall pick in this year’s draft, Moore tackled poorly before the bye and has also been terrible in coverage. To this point, Carter has been mostly a third safety and special teamer. Profiled as an in-the-box strong safety type coming from Oklahoma, Carter will be playing out of position.

Adams started all 16 games at free safety last season, excelling in coverage for the Browns. He confirmed he’s ticketed for the same position in Denver, which bodes poorly for 2011 second-rounder Rahim Moore, whose natural position is free. Quinton Carter may have the edge for the strong safety job.

Carter had just overtaken fellow rookie Rahim Moore for the starting gig a few weeks ago. He’ll need to go through the NFL’s concussion procedures before regaining his starting job.

The Broncos suddenly have major concerns at the safety spot heading into their showdown with the Chiefs. With Brian Dawkins (neck) also hurting, they may be forced to start backups Rahim Moore and David Bruton.

Carter had been in and out through the first half, and he’s now questionable to return. Nickel back Rafael Bush has come on to take his place, leaving Denver without both starting safeties.

Moore was closing on a vertical route intended for Denarius Moore when he banged his head into another player. Fellow rookie Quinton Carter has come on.

Moore was believed to be in direct competition with Adams at free safety, but he’s now viewed as a legit option at strong safety after bulking up considerably in the upper body. The three safeties could end up in a rotation if Moore doesn’t impress enough in camp to win a starting job outright.

Carter got injured during an indoor practice on July 27, just as the Broncos had opened camp. He injured both his hamstring and knee, and had surgery on the latter. While it was just a “scope,” Carter may now cede his starting job to Rahim Moore. Mike Adams is running as the Broncos’ starting free safety in camp.

Carter had his right knee scoped in early August and is now facing the possibility of microfracture surgery. A second-year player out of Oklahoma, Carter started 10 games for the Broncos in 2011 and accumulated 56 tackles. He has played mostly special teams in 2012. The Broncos now have Jim Leonhard and David Bruton behind starters Mike Adams and Rahim Moore.

“His rehab’s going great,” Fox emphasized. When Carter was placed on I.R. late last September, it was feared he’d require microfracture surgery on his right knee. An August scope hadn’t fixed the joint. Carter will be back to compete for playing time in Denver, but this is a position the Broncos can upgrade.