NFL Notes: Chad Kelly, Cardinals, Patriots

Broncos

Broncos seventh-round QB Chad Kelly is getting the cast on his right wrist off on Monday and is looking forward to getting more range of motion and being able to throw a ball again.

“I have to make sure I have to do what I have to do in the treatment room and get back as soon as possible,’’ Kelly said, via Mike Klis of 9News. “More range of motion and then hopefully be able to grip the football and be able to throw again.’’

Kelly is also coming off of ACL surgery, but he and veteran RB Jamaal Charles are apparently pushing themselves to back to full strength.

“It’s coming along well,’’ Kelly said of the knee. “I have a veteran right next to me, (running back) Jamaal Charles, coming off the same situation. We’re pushing each other every day but I got to keep on working really hard to try and get back to full strength and even sharper than what I was.’’

The Broncos took Kelly with the final pick of the draft, which makes him Mr. Irrelevant, but Kelly says he was just happy to be drafted in the first place.

“I didn’t really think of it as being that,’’ Kelly said. “I was glad to be drafted. At the end of the day I was so happy to be part of such a great organization and to have the chance to play with The Denver Broncos. I mean that’s what it’s all about. … And now this is my chance. I’ve got to go out and prove myself.’’

Cardinals

• Josh Weinfuss of ESPN writes that the Cardinals appear to be content with their current group of running backs behind starter David Johnson.
• Although, Weinfuss adds that it would not be surprising to see Arizona add a veteran at some point.
• As for Chris Johnson, who’s still available, Weinfuss says that he may not want to go through offseason workouts or it’s also possible that Cardinals may want to see what they have in T.J. Logan and Eli Penny before considering bringing Johnson back.

Patriots

• Mike Reiss notes that Patriots LB Dont’a Hightower and WR Malcolm Mitchell have been notable absences from OTA practices, which suggests they’re both dealing with some type of medical/rehabilitation situation.
• Overall, Reiss either situation doesn’t seem like a big issue right now, is still something to watch during training camp, as it’s possible they could start off on the physically-unable-to-perform list.
• Veteran DT Alan Branch, who was the only player to skip voluntary OTAs, is expected to be present for the team’s upcoming mandatory minicamp.