The Denver Broncos put star left tackle Ryan Clady on the non-football injury list as the team opened training camp.

The team is hopeful that Clady could return early in the regular season. He had surgery to repair a partially torn patella tendon in his knee after injuring it while playing basketball in April. Denver coach Josh McDaniels said Wednesday, in quotes released by the team, that Clady is making strides.

“He’s getting better and again, to talk about what he can and can’t do at this point,” McDaniels said. “I think he’s working really diligently to try to get back on the field as soon as he can and there’s no timetable for that but Ryan is working extremely hard to put himself in a position to play as soon as he can and each day is a better day and that’s what we’re focused on with him right now. We’re certainly not going to rush anything and when he’s back, we’ll work him back in there and make sure we’re smart with him once he’s able to play.”

Denver also put linebacker Darrell Reid and defensive tackle Jamal Williams on the physically unable to perform list. They are expected to be evaluated in the coming days.

• In other AFC West evening news, San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers likes what he sees out of fifth-round pick Cam Thomas so far. Thomas has a chance to replace Williams at nose tackle.

• The Raiders have hired a former standout defender as a defensive assistant.