AFC West Notes: Broncos, Chiefs, Raiders

Broncos

Broncos WR Emmanuel Sanders admitted that he “more than likely” would have wanted a restructured contract this offseason had he not suffered a torn Achilles. 

“I probably would have wanted a deal,” Sanders said Wednesday during an interview with 104.3 The Fan, per Nicki Jhabvala.

Sanders added that he has no pain running anymore. 

“I have no pain when I’m running,” Sanders said, per Jhabvala. “No pain at all. . . .The only time that my Achilles is sore is when I wake up in the morning. I get up. Once I start moving around, it loosens up, and then I’m ready to go.”

Chiefs

Chiefs RB Carlos Hyde says it’s a “dream come true” to be in an offense that will allow him to catch more passes. 

“For a running back like me who likes to catch the ball . . . it would be like a dream come true,” Hyde said, per Adam Teicher. “It’s not just a one-dimensional running back here. You do it all. You line up at receiver. You actually run routes. You’re not just a decoy . . . You really get to showcase your ability. I didn’t know they used the running back so much in the passing game until I got here. It put a smile on my face.”

Hyde explained that he would have had other options in free agency, but felt that the Chiefs were the right fit for him based on what they’ve done for other running backs. 

“I had other teams I could have looked into,” Hyde said. “I’ve just seen what previous running backs and what success they had in Kansas City with coach (Andy) Reid. I felt like this is a good place for a running back to get on the right track.”

Raiders

Raiders HC Jon Gruden offered some earlier praise for G Richie Incognito.

“He’s pretty good,” Gruden said, via Scott Bair of NBC Bay Area. “I like him. He’s a Pro Bowl left guard. The last time he strapped it on, he wasn’t just good, he was one of the best.”

“I’ve spent a lot of time talking with Richie, and this is not a far-fetched comeback that he’s trying to make,” Gruden said. “This is something he has thought a lot about. He walked away from the game for very good reasons; I’m not going to get into that. We like where he is. We like what he’s done and the potential of what he can do for us.”