Defensive end Derek Wolfe suffered a stinger in his right shoulder, head coach Vance Joseph said, and the veteran did not participate in most of the Broncos’ teams drills Monday.

Wolfe came out of a team drill and trainers went over to check on his shoulder. He returned to the sideline and participated in some individual drills.

“It’s nothing serious,” Joseph said. “Just a precaution.”

Wolfe returned for the afternoon walkthrough and Joseph said he expects him practice Wednesday (the team has an off-day Tuesday).

The Broncos’ defense is already without Shane Ray (wrist) and Shaquil Barrett (hip), both of whom are expected back around the second week of the regular season.

Easing back

Running back Jamaal Charles did not participate in the Broncos’ first padded practice Sunday but was back on the field Monday. Earlier in camp, Charles said he was eager to take on more work and begin hitting. The plan, Joseph said, is for Charles, as well as defensive end Adam Gotsis (knee) and center Matt Paradis (hips), who are also easing their way back from injuries, to see more team reps Wednesday.

“Matt, we’re going to go slow, but probably give him two per period,” Joseph said. “Jamaal, we’re going to sprinkle him in seven-on-seven and keep him out of the team drills because we don’t want to get him tangled. We’re going to start him seven-on-seven … then add team probably in the next week.”

Fullback fan

Fullback Andy Janovich may have no greater supporter than special teams coach Brock Olivo.

“Jano — love Jano,” Olivo said. “Jano to me, if we had 22 Janos, we would be all right. He’s tough, he never says a word and never complains. He just does his job. He’s the first one in the meeting every day. He’s on it Xs-and-Os wise. He knows what to do, he’s tough and he finishes. I love the guy, if you could tell. He’s going to be a four-phaser for us. He’s a really good football player.”

Although the scheme change raised questions of Janovich’s status and likelihood of making the final roster, Olivo — as well as Joseph — said he’s a key piece of the offense and special teams. Olivo is a fan, and he’s not alone on the coaching staff.

“They know the value Jano brings to us,” Olivo said. “We love him.”

McKenzie’s ceiling

For the past couple of seasons, the Broncos have been on a search for a speedy and reliable returner. They may have found their guy in rookie Isaiah McKenzie, a receiver out of Georgia who was drafted in the fifth round.

Prior to arriving in Denver, Olivo coached Tyreek Hill, the receiver/returner who wreaked havoc on the Broncos last season. In McKenzie, Olivo sees similarities and “a budding pro.” Related Articles September 18, 2020 Broncos’ Phillip Lindsay ruled out for Sunday’s game in Pittsburgh as running back deals with toe injury

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“I’ll tell you where it starts, it’s with the confidence,” Olivo said. “He wants the ball in his hands and he likes the fact that there is a Tyreek Hill in our division, a guy that he can strive to be as good as or better someday. That’s the kind of kid he is. I know he’s thinking that in his head because he’s very confident and I love that about him. You see that, the quickness, the lateral movement, the burst, the toughness to stand in there. Again, we’ll see coming up in the first preseason game and throughout preseason just how much guts the kid has when gunners are running down in front of his face. I have confidence he’s going to be just fine.”

Footnotes

Rookie RB De’Angelo Henderson returned after missing Sunday’s workout with a tweaked ankle. … Guard Ron Leary did not practice because of a groin injury. … CB Marcus Rios missed his second-consecutive practice with a groin injury but is expected back Wednesday. … Players are off Tuesday, but Joseph and the staff will have a personnel meeting with John Elway to go over the roster, discuss adding help and focus on their practice plan for the rest of the week. The team is expected to hold its first scrimmage Saturday.

Photos: Broncos training camp