Stokley to debutBrandon Stokley in recent seasons considered preseason as something akin to dentist visits - not exactly something to get excited about but necessary.

Not this year.

"It means more," he said.

Stokley is primed to "definitely" make his debut Saturday night at receiver for the Broncos against the Cleveland Browns. He'll do so not only coming back from a ruptured right Achilles' tendon suffered in December. Sprains to his left ankle and left knee also ruined his final season with the Indianapolis Colts, so being able to take the field healthy has been elusive until now.

"I'm looking forward to it. I really am," said Stokley, who signed with the Broncos on March 22 as a free agent. "I'm excited about being out there again playing football. It's been a long time and something I've worked for for a long time."

Stokley was held out of the preseason opener as a precaution. A left thigh strain sidelined him Saturday against the Cowboys. But he has practiced full-go since.

"I feel great," he said. "I have my aches like everybody else. But it just feels good to be able to run - and run pain-free."

He added getting extensive practice repetitions the past several days also has him back within the flow of the offense.

"I missed so much, and you need to be out there practicing," he said. "You can only look at it so much on video."

Huge strides

The Broncos started both preseason games in two-tight-end formations, and both times, Nate Jackson started opposite Daniel Graham.

Jackson had a solid training camp in his fifth year with the Broncos. He received extra practice repetitions - what with Tony Scheffler missing time while rehabilitating from left foot surgery - and so far has been able to hold the second-year player off.

"To be in that position now is not a surprise," Jackson said. "It's something I feel I'm capable of and can excel at."

Jackson has become more accustomed to playing at 235 pounds after beginning his career as a receiver and has improved his technique as a run blocker.

He always has had sure hands.

"You're always learning and there are always idiosyncrasies and details you have to pay attention to every day," he said. "But overall, my health, knowledge of the team, system, play on special teams - I'm more comfortable with everything."

Work in progressGetting a read on how the special teams are progressing through the first two preseason games is complicated by shifting personnel.And there's been no game-planning, either.

Quincy Morgan had a nifty 58-yard return against San Francisco. Paul Ernster and Todd Sauerbrun combined for three touchbacks Saturday against Dallas on kickoffs. Those are some of the positive signs.

The down moments have included four kickoff returns allowed past the 30-yard line, a 15-yard punt by Sauerbrun against the Cowboys and a lack of opportunities returning punts by Broncos players.

The overriding theme for new special teams coach Scott O'Brien is stressing fundamentals and knowledge of assignments, then finding consistent playmakers for the long term.

"It's still evaluation," O'Brien said, adding the players' effort so far has been good but the production inconsistent. "Who are those guys that you put out there? The results (are what) everybody looks for, but before the results, we've got to make sure we can handle our techniques and do our responsibilities."

Shut outFormer Broncos running back and Ring of Fame member Floyd Little was not selected as one of the two seniors nominees for enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2008.

Little was one of 15 finalists the seniors committee considered at a meeting in Canton, Ohio.

Night movesSelvin Young isn't afraid of getting extra carries this week, given the Broncos' depleted backfield.

In fact, the undrafted rookie says there's not much he does fear."The only thing I'm scared of is the dark," he said.

Given the Broncos will be playing their third straight night game, that could be problematic. But, oddly, Young says he always has fared best during the p.m. hours.

There are banks of lights at stadiums, after all.

Time in meeting rooms is OK, too, because the projector cuts through the darkness.

Young's coach at Texas, Mack Brown, knew all about Young's dilemma. Brown would prod the halfback before prime-time games by telling him his coach knew Young would put his phobia aside.

"They're not going to turn out the lights today," he'd reassure him. "So go out and have a good game."

Young at least has good reason to fear pitch-black conditions. And, no, he didn't fall down a well as a child.

"Growing up, there were five brothers and we only had one room, and it's as dark as all know-what, with feet in your face, toes all over the place - in one bed," Young said. "So I always liked to sleep with the light on."

Told that passing along such sensitive information might not be the best idea, given his rookie status and the pranks veteran players are likely to pull, Young shot back he didn't care.

"Once the lights come on, they better be ready to deal with me," he said. "I'm pretty tough."Etc.Safety Curome Cox (shoulder) practiced for the second straight day but likely will be held out Saturday. Guard Ben Hamilton (concussion) also isn't expected to play. Newcomer John Browning is out after going through only two practices after a year out of football. Staff writer Jeff Legwold contributed to this report.

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