KMAX: Sports

Griese, Sharpe hoping to be ready for Chargers

By JOHN MARSHALL
AP Sports Writer

DENVER (AP) Denver Broncos quarterback Brian Griese and tight end Shannon Sharpe made it through practice Wednesday without any setbacks, a good sign the injured players could be ready for Sunday's game against San Diego.

Griese, who sprained his left knee against Seattle Nov. 17, dropped back for a few passes and seemed to have little trouble moving around outside the pocket.

``He looked pretty good. I didn't talk to him afterward, but he did throw the ball well,'' coach Mike Shanahan said. ``I'm not sure if there's any setback with the knee, but he looked pretty impressive.''

Sharpe was expected to be out up to a month after partially dislocating his right elbow against Oakland on Nov. 11, but he was catching passes in practice on Wednesday.

``I did a lot better than I thought I would, which really surprised me because I came out here (Tuesday) and didn't feel as comfortable as I would have liked,'' Sharpe said. ``We'll see at the end of the week. I'm very optimistic, I really am. I'm a lot further ahead than I thought I would be at this time.''

Griese worked out on a treadmill Monday without any problems, then did some lateral movements Tuesday without any swelling afterward. He said he probably won't know whether he can play until just before Sunday's game.

``It's been getting better every day,'' Griese said before Wednesday's practice. ``I've been doing a little bit more every day with the strengthening exercises and stuff like that. I haven't had any setbacks, so it's a good sign.''

Sharpe didn't have any problems while testing a brace over the weekend, but had some pain during a workout Tuesday. Shanahan said his playing status also will be a game-time decision.

``We'll get an idea over the next couple days,'' Shanahan said. ``We'll check it out tomorrow, see if there is any setback hopefully there's not and if there's not, he should be ready to go.''

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