Denver Broncos OLB DeMarcus Ware is a great player but will turn 34 years old at the start of training camp. That number in itself gives the Broncos concerns about when his body may break down. This offseason, those concerns are growing as he misses OTAs with his back flaring up.
Ware missed five games due to back woes late last season. He already restructured his contract in March, with the understanding that he would close out his NFL career as a pass-rushing specialist, to try to cut down on the wear and tear on his back.
Like I said before, Ware is still be a great player, with his 3.5 sacks, eight QB hits and 11 QB hurries in three playoff games last season. But now, you have to wonder how much his body can take as he was held out of practice Tuesday after missing all of last week’s OTAs.
Head coach Gary Kubiak told NFL.com’s Chris Wesseling, “Same thing. Back is bothering him. I don’t know how much you’ll see him in OTAs. I hope we get a few in before we call it for summer, but there is no reason to rush him out there.”
On one end, you can say, “This is no big deal. It’s only May and OTAs are voluntary anyway.” On the other hand, you can say, “If he can run around a little bit with no one hitting him in May, how’s he going to be in the cold weather of December, after playing in a bunch of games.
That raises questions!
Can Ware even make it through a season in a limited role?
Is 2015 1st-round pick Shane Ray ready?
Super Bowl titles aren’t easy to defend!