Denver Broncos hopeful first round pick Shane Ray practices this week

Shane Ray was a gamble from the second the Denver Broncos selected him at No. 23 overall in the first round. He’s battled an injury with a “variation of turf toe” which was sustained in Missouri’s 33-17 Citrus Bowl victory over Minnesota on New Years Day and was busted for pot possession three days before the NFL Draft.

When the Broncos held their Rookie Minicamp last week, Ray was absent, nursing that sore toe. But, per Jeff Legwold of ESPN, Denver head coach Gary Kubiak expects Ray to “participate some” on Monday.

It’s not like the Broncos need Ray to come in and be an immediate impact player; the orange and blue still sport DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller as two of the top edge-rushers in the game today. Still, it would be beneficial for Ray to be able to spell Ware when the 32-year old needs a breather.

Really, there’s no reason to rush Ray to the practice field, but it appears everyone is antsy to see what the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year can do at the NFL level.

Ray versus Ryan Clady? Sounds like an entertaining battle in the trenches, indeed.