Former Rockies first baseman Todd Helton, current Rockies pitcher LaTroy Hawkins and members of the visiting Cincinnati Reds watched the Broncos’ final training-camp practice Friday at their Dove Valley headquarters.
Helton, whose No. 17 jersey will be retired by the Rockies on Sunday in the series finale against the Reds, played quarterback at the University of Tennessee with Peyton Manning. Manning will lead Denver into San Francisco on Sunday in its second preseason game.
Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders might not play against the 49ers. He was out of pads again Friday as he tries to overcome an injury to his quadriceps.
“We thought the smart thing to do was to hold him out of practice today,” Broncos coach John Fox said. “We’ll see what tomorrow brings.”
Tight end Virgil Green (calf) also was held out for precautionary reasons.
The Broncos travel to San Francisco on Saturday and resume practice next week, with their final preseason games Aug. 23 against Houston and Aug. 28 at Dallas. The significance of ending training camp Friday primarily means the players don’t have to continue to stay at the Ramada Inn.
“Get back to their own beds and that sort of thing,” Fox said.
“I liked my bed at the Ramada, and it was closer,” linebacker Von Miller said. “You don’t do much at camp (during free time) anyway.”
The Broncos also will switch to an “in-season” practice schedule next week, featuring less time on the field.
Mike Chambers: mchambers@denverpost.com or twitter.com/mikechambers
