AFC West: Russ Hochstein

Denver long snapper Lonie Paxson missed his second straight day of practice because of what Denver coach John Fox described as a family matter.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family,” Fox told reporters in Denver. “He’ll be day to day just like all of our injuries.”

Guard Russ Hochstein would likely be the long snapper for Saturday night’s divisional playoff game at New England if Paxson can’t play, especially if the weather is bad.

Meanwhile, as expected, safety Brian Dawkins (neck) and receiver Eric Decker (knee) did not practice Thursday. It would be a surprise if either player plays Saturday night. Denver pass-rusher Elvis Dumervil was limited for the second straight day with an ankle injury.

In other AFC West news:

Kansas City coach Romeo Crennel said on Sirius radio with Rich Gannon that he will not relinquish his defensive play-calling duties. That has been expected.

Chris Sprow thinks the 49ers’ Justin Smith would be a good fit in San Diego. In an Insider piece, Scouts Inc. thinks Oklahoma pass-rusher Ronnel Lewis could fit with the Chargers. San Diego is sure to try to add a pass-rusher this offseason.

Four Broncos to watch

January, 5, 2012
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The following are players to watch for Denver in its wild-card game against visiting Pittsburgh on Sunday:

Quarterback Tim Tebow: Sure, it’s obvious, but Tebow must play better if the Broncos have a chance to pull off the home upset. He has been dreadful the past two weeks and has regressed at an alarming rate. He seems unsure of even cocking back and throwing the ball and he has not been effective as a runner. Tebow has to turn it on in a hurry.

Linebacker Von Miller: Miller’s play has been severely affected by a thumb injury. He is playing with a cast on his right hand and it has essentially made him a one-handed player. The rookie is special. He has to find as way to harass gimpy Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and help his defense. Miller has been subbed for in some run situations in the past couple of games. He has struggled some against the run, especially after his injury.

Guard Russ Hochstein: According to ESPN Stats & Information, Denver was the only team in the NFL to start the same five offensive linemen in all 16 games. That will change in the postseason. The backup is playing for standout guard Chris Kuper. Kuper broke his leg last week. Hochstein is a veteran, but he will have his hands full against the Steelers’ aggressive defensive front.

Cornerback Champ Bailey: He is the heart and soul of this team. He is a future Hall of Famer, and if the Broncos have any chance of winning this game, someone on defense is going to have to step up and make some special plays. Bailey is capable of providing that spark.

AFC West union reps

March, 3, 2011
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Some players in the AFC West are working hard. They aren’t on the field, but their current work is designed to get everybody back on the field. Let’s take a look at the AFC West union representatives:

Denver Broncos

Rep: Safety Brian Dawkins

Co-alternates: Guard Russ Hochstein and quarterback Kyle Orton

My thoughts: Dawkins has long been involved in the union. He is one of the most connected players in the NFL with the union. The Broncos will be well informed during this time of uncertainty.

Kansas City Chiefs

Rep: Center Rudy Niswanger

Co-alternates: Safety Jon McGraw and linebacker Andy Studebaker.

My thoughts: There isn’t much star power in this group. But all three representatives are well respected in the locker room.

Oakland Raiders

Rep: Tight end Zach Miller

Co-alternates: Linebacker Ricky Brown and quarterback Bruce Gradkowski

My thoughts: Miller is personally invested in this fight. He needs to know whether he’ll be an unrestricted or a restricted free agent when this dispute is settled.

San Diego Chargers

Rep: Center Nick Hardwick

Co-alternates: Defensive lineman Jacques Cesaire and tackle Jeromey Clary.

My thoughts: Hardwick has long been in involved in players’ rights. He’ll keep his teammates well informed.

Three key players out for Oakland

September, 19, 2010
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Around the AFC West:

The Raiders will be without running back Michael Bush (broken thumb), offensive lineman Robert Gallery (hamstring) and defensive lineman Richard Seymour (hamstring) against St. Louis. All three players were not doing much all week, so this was expected. Bush didn’t play last week, either.

Still, these are three of Oakland’s better players. Oakland will be further challenged to rebound from a poor performance in Tennessee in Week 1

The Broncos’ offensive line is in shambles.

Right tackle Ryan Harris (ankle) and right guard Chris Kuper (ankle, knee) will not play Sunday against Seattle. Harris and Kuper are two of Denver’s most stable players. Harris will be spelled by rookie Zane Beadles and veteran Russ Hochstein will play for Kuper. The team’s center, J.D. Walton, is a rookie.

The Raiders cut offensive lineman Erik Pears for the second time this month and signed seventh-round draft pick Stevie Brown form the practice squad.

The speculation is already out there that Tom Cable’s job could be in jeopardy if the Raiders lose to the Rams Sunday. My reaction: Sure, I can believe it.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Denver thought about signing running back Willie Parker before dealing for Laurence Maroney.

Denver keeps two of its own

March, 5, 2010
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Expect Denver to be busy in the first couple of days of free agency as it was last year.

The team is expected to pursue several interior linemen on both sides of the ball. Yet, the Broncos’ first free agency moves were to keep two of their own free agents.

Denver announced it has re-signed guard Russ Hochstein and receiver Brandon Lloyd.

Hochstein took over for Ben Hamilton last year but he suffered a knee injury late last season. He is expected to be ready around training camp in late July.

Lloyd is a bottom-of-the-roster role player. He played in two games last year with Denver. He could have trouble making the 53-man roster if, as expected, Denver adds to the receiver position.

AFC West: Free-agency primer

March, 3, 2010
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Denver

Potential unrestricted free agents: P Mitch Berger, S Vernon Fox, T Brandon Gorin, Nick Greisen, G Ben Hamilton, G Russ Hochstein, DE Vonnie Holliday, CB Ty Law, WR Brandon Lloyd

Potential restricted free agents: LB Elvis Dumervil, OL Chris Kuper, WR Brandon Marshall, QB Kyle Orton, TE Tony Scheffler, DT Le Kevin Smith

Franchise player: None.

What to expect: The Broncos’ restricted class is talented. That will be the focus. It has been reported that Marshall, Orton, Dumervil, Scheffler and Kuper will all get one-year tenders. Marshall very well could be traded. It wouldn’t be a shock if Dumervil gets some action on the restricted market. Miami could be interested.

Kansas City

Potential unrestricted free agents: OL Andy Alleman, S Mike Brown, WR Chris Chambers, WR Terrance Copper, TE Sean Ryan, C Wade Smith, LB Mike Vrabel, WR Bobby Wade

Potential restricted free agents: RB Jackie Battle, QB Brodie Croyle, LB Derrick Johnson, LB Corey Mays, OL Ikechuku Ndukwe, OL Rudy Niswanger, OL Ryan O'Callaghan, S Jarrad Page

Franchise player: None.

What to expect: The Chiefs are interested in keeping some of their unrestricted free agents. General manager Scott Pioli said at the combine the team has been in contact with several of their free agents. Chambers is the focus. The team is trying to keep him. Brown and Vrabel could also return with new deals.

Oakland

Potential unrestricted free agents: S Hiram Eugene, G Cornell Green, T Langston Walker, LB Sam Williams

Potential restricted free agents: LB Jon Alston, OL Khalif Barnes, LB Ricky Brown, LB Jon Condo, QB Charlie Frye, QB Bruce Gradkowski, LB Thomas Howard, RB Luke Lawton, OL Chris Morris, LB Kirk Morrison, CB Stanford Routt, RB Gary Russell

Franchise player: DE Richard Seymour.

What to expect: The Raiders franchised Seymour and signed kicker Sebastian Janikowski to a record deal, so they’ve already been busy. It will be interesting to see how they tender Howard and Morrison. The Raiders could use some new life at linebacker and this could be the start of it.

San Diego

Potential unrestricted free agents: DT Alfonso Boone, TE Brandon Manumaleuna, C Dennis Norman, WR Kassim Osgood. T Jon Runyan, DT Ian Scott, TE Kris Wilson

Potential restricted free agents: OL Jeromey Clary, LB Tim Dobbins, WR Malcom Floyd, DT Antonio Garay, OL Eric Ghiaciuc, LB Marques Harris, WR Vincent Jackson, DT Travis Johnson, OL Marcus McNeill, LB Shawne Merriman, RB Darren Sproles, QB Charlie Whitehurst

Franchise player: None

What to expect: The Chargers have their hands full. It’s been reported they will give high tenders to Jackson, Merriman, McNeill and Floyd. Jackson and McNeill could still attract some interest on the restricted market. Sproles is not expected to be tendered, making him a free agent. The Chargers want him back. But if Sproles hits the open market, the multifaceted weapon could be scooped up quickly.

Free agency: AFC West

February, 15, 2010
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» AFC Free Agency: East | West | North | South » NFC: East | West | North | South

An early look at the free-agent situation in the AFC West.

Note: These projected lists reflect notable unrestricted free agents for each team. The NFL will not issue an official list of free agents until the signing period begins March 5.

[+] Enlarge
Chris Chambers
AP Photo/Charlie RiedelKansas City wide receiver Chris Chambers had 608 yards on 36 receptions after being acquired off waivers in November.
Denver Broncos

Unrestricted free agents: P Mitch Berger, S Vernon Fox, T Brandon Gorin, Nick Greisen, G Ben Hamilton, G Russ Hochstein, DE Vonnie Holliday, CB Ty Law, WR Brandon Lloyd.

Key figures: There isn’t much here. The team could bring back Hochstein, Holliday and Law, but they are all complementary pieces. It’s all about the restricted free-agent class in Denver. The Broncos have to figure out what they are going to do with receiver Brandon Marshall, defensive end Elvis Dumervil, quarterback Kyle Orton and tight end Tony Scheffler.

Kansas City Chiefs

Unrestricted free agents: S Mike Brown, WR Chris Chambers, WR Terrance Copper, TE Sean Ryan, C Wade Smith, LB Mike Vrabel, WR Bobby Wade,

Key figures: Chambers will be Kansas City's priority. He gave the Chiefs’ offense a big spark after he was claimed off waivers in November. The team’s brass really likes what Brown and Vrabel bring to the team and both could be back in Kansas City at the right price. Wade also could be brought back.

Oakland Raiders

Unrestricted free agents: Hiram Eugene, G Cornell Green, K Sebastian Janikowski, DE Richard Seymour, T Langston Walker, LB Sam Williams

Key figures: It’s all about Seymour and Janikowski. The Raiders are trying to get long-term deals with both players done. If new deals aren’t struck, watch for Oakland to put the franchise and transition tags on them. Oakland will do anything it can not to lose either player.

San Diego Chargers

Unrestricted free agents: DT Alfonso Boone, TE Brandon Manumaleuna, C Dennis Norman, WR Kassim Osgood. T Jon Runyan, DT Ian Scott, TE Kris Wilson

Key figures: The team would like to bring back Osgood, one of the best special-teams players in the NFL. But Osgood wants a chance to be a receiver and the opportunity might not be in San Diego. The Chargers will spend most of their energy on their restricted class. The priorities are receiver Vincent Jackson, tackle Marcus McNeill, linebacker Shawne Merriman, running back Darren Sproles and receiver Malcom Floyd.
With Denver offensive line coach Rick Dennison headed to Houston as offensive coordinator, there will be a major change in Denver.

Expect the Broncos to begin to fully move away from the zone-blocking scheme the franchise made famous. Denver head coach Josh McDaniels kept the basis of the system in 2008, his first season with the Broncos.

The Broncos used the scheme, featuring smaller, athletic linemen, in the 14-year tenure of Mike Shanahan. McDaniels kept Dennison, who perfected Shanahan’s schemes last season. Thus, he kept the blocking philosophy. McDaniels also mixed in some of the more traditional power blocking schemes that McDaniels was operating under in New England.

With Dennison gone, watch for McDaniels to fully adopt the power-blocking mode.

This is probably best for McDaniels. It was one of the few Shanahan influences he used. It was clear he wasn’t always comfortable with it. Before Denver’s final game, McDaniels was critical of the offensive line.

Dennison is a fine coach, but now McDaniels can do what he is most comfortable with. That may mean some change in personnel. Denver loves tackles Ryan Clady and Ryan Harris. Right guard Chris Kuper is also big enough to make the transition.

But Denver could try to make changes at left guard and center where Ben Hamilton and Casey Wiegmann started, respectively. The team could bring back Russ Hochstein, who replaced Hamilton toward the end of the season. But Hochstein suffered a major knee injury, so an upgrade may be necessary.

It wouldn't be a surprise if Denver looks at offensive linemen early in the draft and in free agency as it moves away from the zone-blocking scheme.

Denver could also be in the midst of another big coaching change. Running backs coach Bobby Turner -- widely considered one of the best position coaches in the NFL -- is talking to Shanahan about becoming his associate head coach in Washington. Turner’s running schemes were a staple of the zone-blocking scheme.

Denver makes roster moves

December, 29, 2009
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The Broncos have re-signed tackle Herb Taylor.

Denver cut Taylor on Dec. 19 after he spent 10 days with the team. He will give depth to Denver’s battered offensive line.

As expected, the Broncos put guard Russ Hochstein and rookie receiver Kenny McKinley on the injured reserve. Both players were hurt Sunday at Philadelphia. Denver still has one roster spot available.
The Raiders are sticking with Charlie Frye as their quarterback in the season finale Sunday against Baltimore.
  • Bruce Gradkowski is still suffering the affects of two knee injuries and is likely to miss his third straight game. Raiders coach Tom Cable indicated JaMarcus Russell is not ready to play, so Frye will be the guy again. He threw for 333 yards in a 14-point loss at Cleveland on Sunday. But Frye also threw three interceptions.
  • The Chargers are making a plan for their season finale against Washington. The Chargers have already wrapped up the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs.

Evening AFC West news and notes

November, 11, 2009
11/11/09
9:20
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Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson
  • Guard Russ Hochstein was practicing with the first unit in Denver ahead of Ben Hamilton. Thus, it looks like Hochstein, who played for Denver coach Josh McDaniels in New England, is primed to start Sunday at Washington. Hamilton has struggled some lately.
  • Denver receiver Brandon Marshall didn’t practice Wednesday because of a back injury. It is not known if it will jeopardize his playing chances Sunday.
  • It doesn’t look like Washington running back Clinton Portis is going to face his former team Sunday.
  • With Jyles Tucker slowed by an ankle injury, the Chargers worked out Marques Harris, who left the team through free agency last year. It seems Harris will be on the team’s radar for the next couple of weeks.
  • Running back LaDainian Tomlinson (hip), tight end Antonio Gates (foot) and linebacker Shaun Phillips (ankle) were among the players who didn’t practice in San Diego on Wednesday. At this point, none of the injuries appear serious. Center Nick Hardwick continued to practice on a limited basis. Still, it is no sure thing he will play Sunday against the Eagles.
  • Here is more speculation that this will be Tomlinson’s last year in San Diego. He almost didn’t come back this year, and if his production doesn’t increase dramatically, he will likely not be a Charger next year.
  • Oakland's Greg Ellis had shoulder surgery as well as knee surgery.
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