dbackjon
September 6th, 2006, 12:59 PM
This weekend looms large for punter/kicker Paul Ernster, who heads into the Broncos' season opener with double-duty respnsibilities.
The team's punting duties rest squarely on his foot - in addition to kickoffs - as he makes his return to NFL action.
Ernster began last season as the team's kickoff specialist. Drafted by Denver in the seventh round (239th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft, Ernster kicked off three times for 163 yards (54.3 avg.) with a long of 65 yards in the opener at Miami.
However, he was inactive a week later after tweaking his right knee in pregame warmups prior to a win over the San Diego Chargers.
Eight days later, after being shifted to the practice squad, Ernster's ACL went out completely in the hours leading up to the Broncos' only Monday Night Football game of 2005. He spent the remainder of his rookie campaign rehabilitating at the team’s training facility.
The former Northern Arizona Lumberjack looks healthy once again and is eager to make his return this Sunday in St. Louis.
He hopes to show the promise that garnered a Broncos draft pick and the confidence the team has in him to handle a double shift.
http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=334&storyID=5909
The team's punting duties rest squarely on his foot - in addition to kickoffs - as he makes his return to NFL action.
Ernster began last season as the team's kickoff specialist. Drafted by Denver in the seventh round (239th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft, Ernster kicked off three times for 163 yards (54.3 avg.) with a long of 65 yards in the opener at Miami.
However, he was inactive a week later after tweaking his right knee in pregame warmups prior to a win over the San Diego Chargers.
Eight days later, after being shifted to the practice squad, Ernster's ACL went out completely in the hours leading up to the Broncos' only Monday Night Football game of 2005. He spent the remainder of his rookie campaign rehabilitating at the team’s training facility.
The former Northern Arizona Lumberjack looks healthy once again and is eager to make his return this Sunday in St. Louis.
He hopes to show the promise that garnered a Broncos draft pick and the confidence the team has in him to handle a double shift.
http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=334&storyID=5909