Tony

Carter

Carter was added to the practice squad two weeks ago when special teams standout Cassius Vaughn went down with a fractured fibula. Carter played ahead of second-round pick Alphonso Smith in nickel and dime packages back in 2009.

Porter has been sidelined by seizure symptoms for six weeks. Chris Harris and Tony Carter have played well in his absence, which means Porter could be a healthy scratch in Week 12. The Broncos defense has quietly emerged as one of the best in the league.

Carter, the Broncos’ No. 3 corner, was a nice surprise in 2012. He played in 15 games, recording 27 tackles, 12 pass deflections, and two interceptions. Carter could generate some interest in restricted free agency next offseason. Unrein appeared in all 16 games and registered 20 tackles.

Smith is ahead of veteran pickup Nate Jones. Smith wasn’t so bad in his first year that the Broncos would give up on him, but he lost the nickel position to undrafted free agent Tony Carter. He’s getting another chance this spring.

Carter hurt his right ankle while blocking for Trindon Holliday on a punt return. Rookie cornerback Kayvon Webster took Carter’s place in the nickel.

Carter is the Broncos’ No. 3 corner with Champ Bailey (foot) out. He was injured on a first-quarter punt. Rookie Kayvon Webster will see more snaps.

It looked like it could have been much, much worse when Rodgers-Cromartie first went down during Wednesday’s practice. Look for Chris Harris to replace him in base sets and Tony Carter to play outside in the nickel. The Denver Post notes that DRC is the Broncos’ second-highest-paid defensive player at $5 million this season. Left corner Champ Bailey will make $10.75 million.

Denver’s No. 4 or 5 cornerback depending on the game, Carter isn’t going to return. He figures to be cleared in time for the Super Bowl in two weeks.

The concussion Carter sustained during the AFC Championship Game is not thought to be serious. He should be fine to serve as a reserve corner and special teamer against the Seahawks.

He escaped with a “pinched nerve” in his arm, and coach John Fox said Monday that Carter was “fine.” Carter is a sub-package corner and special teamer.