Shane Ray entered training camp this year ready to make an even bigger name for himself in the NFL. An injury to his left wrist has pushed the start of that campaign back a little, but Ray remains optimistic about his ability to be a major force in the Denver Broncos pass rush in 2017.
Ray spoke with Eric Goodman and Les Shapiro as the Broncos prepare for their first preseason game, Thursday in Chicago. Ray will be sidelined for the entire preseason, but is still finding ways to contribute while he recovers from surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left wrist.
“Instead of being down on myself, I just keep my spirit positive,” Ray told Goodman and Shapiro, “be around my teammates, help as much as I can with these guys until I can get back.”
Ray had big goals for 2017, and though he could miss some games this season, fully expects to reach those goals.
“This year, definitely, I felt like was the year I would set myself on the national stage, but I don’t think that’s changed,” Ray said. “Regardless of if I miss six to eight weeks, in my mind, all I need is 10 games. If I got 10 games, I can get 10 sacks. Plus four games in the playoffs, that’s more than enough time to do what I need to do.”
When asked if he’s considered playing with a club on his hand, Ray told Goodman and Shapiro he’s considering multiple options.
“I’ve heard a couple things. Maybe a cast or a club that’d limit my hand movement,” he said.
Those things, however, are of less importance to Ray in meeting his goals than the position switch he made with Von Miller this offseason
“You know the best thing that could have happened was me and Von deciding to switch sides during OTAs,” Ray said. “You know, Von wanted to get a lot better rushing from the right, and he felt that in a game I should be more comfortable rushing from the left. So I’ve been able to work my whole move set in and become more elite on the left side. So, when it comes down to being able to do what I do in the pass rush and everything, there’s a way. Trust me.”
In today’s NFL, the pass rush is a fluid thing. Ray and Miller will likely switch sides frequently to confuse opponents, and it will be up to defensive coordinator Joe Woods to put them in the right place at the right time. As far as who’s making the call on his return – possibly in time for Week 1 of the regular season – Ray says that’s up to the medical staff.
“It’s up to the training staff,” Ray said. “It’s up to those guys, when they feel that I’m clear, when they feel that it’s the right time, I’ll be back.”
Listen to the full interview with Shane Ray in the podcast below.
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