**A trainer, PR boss and receiver react to Bowlen's HOF nomination** (Mike Klis, 9 News)

For 30 years as an active owner, Bowlen, who should now be little more than rubber-stamp approval away from having his bust bronzed in Canton, started his day by checking in with [Steve] Antonopulos about his team's injured players.

"It became a regular thing every day," Antonopulos said. "I thought it was kind of odd when it first started but I figured out pretty quick, man, he cared about people. Most of all his players. He loved his players, he loved being around his players. He'd do anything he could for his players.''

**Broncos owner Pat Bowlen nominated as a contributor finalist for Pro Football Hall of Fame** (Ryan O'Halloran, Denver Post)

More Super Bowl appearances than losing seasons. Nearly 350 wins. Conference championships with four different head coaches. And a leader at the NFL level.

All of that was enough for Broncos owner Pat Bowlen to be nominated Thursday for induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Finally, those around him believe.

"If you dig up the history of the NFL as a whole and where it is today, Pat Bowlen was a visionary," said former Broncos receiver Rod Smith.

**What to watch in Broncos’ third preseason game, at Washington** (Nicki Jhabvala, The Athletic)

Case Keenum and the ones played all of seven snaps against Minnesota, to disappointing results. They played three series against the Bears, to more success. On Friday, they could get the entire first half, maybe more.

"We're not going to count snaps, we're going to count progress again," coach Vance Joseph said. "We'll see. Last week we played about a quarter and a half. Hopefully we can play more."

**Vance Joseph’s goal for Broncos starters’ final preseason appearance: Progress** (Ryan O'Halloran, Denver Post)

Joseph wants to see the offense progress after their two scoring drives against the Bears last Saturday and he wants the defense to progress after it posted a safety and a takeaway in the loss.

The third preseason game is traditionally the final tune-up for most of the two-deep depth chart. Thus, Joseph's semi-urgent tone following all three practices this week. He wants to fly back to Denver believing his starters are ready for the Sept. 9 opener against Seattle.