Posted on: Tuesday, July 30, 2002

Lelie hurts hamstring again

Advertiser Staff and News Services

Denver Broncos rookie Ashley Lelie, who had a relatively injury-free career while setting school receiving records at Hawai'i, has injured a hamstring again.

Lelie, the Broncos' No. 1 draft pick, tweaked his right hamstring during Sunday's practice. He said he could have finished the practice if coaches had allowed him.

"It's pretty sore," Lelie told the Denver Post. "I feel a little pain, but I'm just trying to run through it. I don't think it's that serious."

Lelie suffered similar injuries during the team's minicamp in June and while conducting pre-draft workouts in the spring.

Broncos coach Mike Shanahan told ESPN.com that he wasn't sure when the prized wide receiver will be ready to go full speed again.

"I'm afraid that if he does push himself, he's going to set himself back a few weeks, and we can't afford to do that," Shanahan said.

When he has been healthy, Lelie has looked like a future Pro Bowl selection. He has plucked most every ball out of midair and has shown enough speed to easily separate from cornerbacks.

"I'm picking up the offense pretty fast, and I'm making plays," Lelie told the Denver Post. "There are a still a few mental mistakes that I have, but I feel like I can pick that up."