ENGLEWOOD — A behind-the-scenes look at Broncos training camp practice Wednesday with observations and analysis from The Denver Gazette.

Play of the day

Wide receiver Trent Sherfield continues to prove he is more than just a special teams ace. He made an impressive toe-tap catch on the sideline on a throw from quarterback Jarrett Stidham during a team period. The Stidham-Sherfield connection appears strong after the pair connected for an impressive touchdown reception in the preseason win over San Francisco.

Position battle

Backup quarterback: There appears to be a growing gap between Stidham and Sam Ehlinger for the No. 2 quarterback job behind Bo Nix. It’s no real surprise considering Stidham’s comfort in his third season playing in coach Sean Payton’s offense. Ehlinger has shown off his impressive deep ball at times in training camp. But he is clearly behind Stidham on the QB depth chart.

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Stock rising

CB Pat Surtain: The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year showed up big during a 2-point conversion drill. Nix targeted wide receiver Courtland Sutton on route near the goal line. Surtain jumped in front of Sutton near the sideline for a slick pass breakup. Surtain is the unquestioned leader of the secondary with his voice and actions. He’s predictably had a strong training camp.

Stock falling

RB Blake Watson: The reserve running back had a fumble and a botched handoff with Ehlinger during a team period. That sequence won’t define Watson’s otherwise strong training camp as he pushes to make the 53-man roster. But the high-priority 2024 free agent signing out of Memphis has seen better practice days at Broncos Park.

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Attendance check

Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto missed a second consecutive practice with what Payton described previously as “something in his foot.” Payton expected Bonitto to return this week and said: “He’s going to be alright.”

Inside linebacker Dre Greenlaw competed in individual drills but did not practice with the team during 11-on-11 play. Tight end Nate Adkins (undisclosed) and cornerback Reese Taylor (hamstring) did not practice.

The Broncos were visited Wednesday at practice by Nuggets players Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson.

Injury report

Cornerback Damarri Mathis left practice early and went into the locker room with member of the team’s athletic training staff.

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What’s next

Training camp continues Thursday at Broncos Park with a joint practice against the Cardinals. The teams will meet for a preseason game at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Empower Field at Mile High. The game will be televised on 9NEWS.

Ticket information

Free mobile tickets required for entry to open practices are sold out. Fans can return their tickets by emailing tickets@broncos.nfl.net up to 30 minutes after the start of practice each day. Refunded tickets will be made available to the general public through Ticketmaster on a day-to-day basis.

Thursday is the final training camp practice open to fans with attendance limited to 800.