Elway's Hamstring Is Healing

John Elway ran off the practice field Wednesday, exclaiming, "I made it. I didn't hurt anything today."

For the fourth straight week, the Denver Broncos were as much concerned about the physical condition of their quarterback as they were about the upcoming opponent. And for the second straight week, there was good news at midweek.

Elway practiced Wednesday and was listed as probable for Sunday's game in Seattle.

However, he also practiced last Wednesday and reported improvement in his strained right hamstring, but on Thursday he developed soreness in his lower back that lingered through the weekend. Elway didn't play in the 41-16 win over Philadelphia.

In all, Elway, 38, has missed the last two games and parts of two previous games because of his injuries.

"I've come a long way since Sunday," Elway said. "I'll try to practice and get back in the flow of things this week, but I also want to be real careful with it because it's not totally gone. I still feel it. I don't want to do anything to set myself back."

John Elway says his injured hamstring in coming along well. (AP)

"If I continue to make the strides that I've made, I'm hoping to be able to go (Sunday)."

Elway said his back was more of a concern than the hamstring.

"It's the two-injury theory," he said with a smile. "You can only have one thing hurt at a time."

In Elway's absence, veteran Bubby Brister has played well. Last week, he threw for four touchdowns, and he ranks first in the AFC in passing with eight touchdowns and only two interceptions.

Coach Mike Shanahan said Elway "scrambled a couple of times out there. I was kind of surprised. A couple of times he had some pass rush and he kind of scooted to the side and ran downfield about 15 yards. It looked like he was 22, 23 years old again. So that was a good sign."

"I'm sure there's a little tightness and soreness, but he made it through practice and he practiced well."

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