AFC West Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Raiders

Broncos

• According to the Denver Post’s Ryan O’Halloran, the Broncos expect G Ronald Leary to be ready for Week 1. Leary has been a limited practice participant as he rehabs a torn Achilles suffered last October. 
• Broncos TE Jake Butt could “miss some time” and won’t practice or play during the final week of the preseason after renewed issues with his knee. (Pro Football Talk)

Chargers

• According to ESPN’s Eric Williams, Chargers QB Cardale Jones has impressed the coaching staff in his third season, but he’s still locked in a battle for the third-string quarterback spot with fifth-round rookie QB Easton Stick. 
• Williams also notes Jones would likely have a home in the XFL, as Los Angeles Wildcats OC Norm Chow and Tampa Bay Vipers HC Marc Trestman recently attended Chargers practice. 

Raiders

New Raiders DT Corey Liuget said Monday that he completed nine weeks of training “hell” before joining Oakland. 

“It was just me and the trainer going at it, working hard in a warehouse for four hours a day,” Liuget said, via NBC Bay Area. “Then I would rehab after that, to make sure I was in position to go when the time came. For the last nine weeks, it has been pretty much hell for me.”

Liuget said dealing with a quad injury last year was “maybe the toughest experience of my life” last year, but he’s now “in rare form.”

Liuget also believes he’s a perfect scheme fit for the Raiders.

“I fit perfectly into this scheme,” Liuget said. “It’s a one-gap, penetrating defense. That’s what I love. That’s my style of defense. That’s what we had with the Chargers the past couple years, so I’m super excited to be in it.”

• The Raiders are considering putting G Gabe Jackson and DT Justin Ellis on injured reserve with the intention of activating them later in the season. (Jerry McDonald)
• Raiders HC Jon Gruden says DT Eddie Vanderdoes remains in the concussion protocol, where he’s stayed for the past month: “It’s unfortunate. We haven’t really had an opportunity to see Eddie in pads as long as I’ve been here.” (McDonald)