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ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- **In most offseasons, this is just another week of workouts, building toward extensive on-field team work that begins with Phase 3 of the offseason schedule late next month.
But the league permits teams to conduct an extra three-day voluntary minicamp for veterans after hiring a new head coach to help ease the transition to a new administration. That's why the Broncos gathered Tuesday for the first of three days of on-field work -- although the absence of helmets or pads of any kind provides a limit on the kind of work in which the team can engage.
Despite the absence of contact and emphasis on teaching tempo, the energy at practice belied the fact that there are still 138 days left until the regular-season opener against the Baltimore Ravens.
"I think that emotions were flying high today," wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders said. "Guys were excited to be out here, and so was I. I had a go-ball one time and I ran full speed. I was like, 'This is a jog-through tempo?' I was having fun."
The fun came with a purpose: the first on-field immersion in the tweaked schemes that the players have studied in meetings the last two weeks.
"It means a lot because it's one thing to do it on paper," said linebacker Danny Trevathan, who saw limited work Tuesday as he continues his recovery from three 2014 injuries to the area in and around his knee.
"When you come out and get the movement -- we're all getting to learn the defense -- it really sticks to your mind," Trevathan said. "[It] makes you feel like you can play within yourself, be yourself out there and fly around and make plays."
Added cornerback Chris Harris Jr.: "It kind of just gives us a head start. Since we've got a brand new system, we need this time right now to be able to get out there.
"By the time we get to OTA practices, we'll be full speed. We'll pretty much know the whole defense. That's really what these first three days are about."
But even though the intensity spiked -- particularly during special-teams drills at the start of practice -- much of what the Broncos did Thursday was at a rudimentary level, players said.
"We're just putting in a little bit of the basics in today," Harris said. "As you're out here getting tired and learning the defense at the same time, you have to think while you're tired."
The same is true for the offense, which also took its first of countless steps to come.
"We're just starting," quarterback Peyton Manning said.
The Broncos were back on the field for the first time this offseason, working with a new coaching staff.
Peyton Manning breaks down the huddle during the first day of voluntary veteran minicamp on Tuesday.
T.J. Ward, Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. go through drills with defensive backs coach Joe Woods.
Offensive lineman Gino Gradkowski (77) and a group of teammates run drills at the beginning of the Broncos' voluntary vet minicamp.
Kapri Bibbs and a couple other teammates perform special teams drills.
Marvin Austin Jr. (76) stretches with the group.
Peyton Manning goes through drills as Offensive Coordinator Rick Dennison looks on.
Juwan Thompson stretches before the beginning of the Broncos' voluntary vet minicamp.
Brock Osweiler goes through drills.
Emmanuel Sanders catches a pass thrown by wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert.
Manny Ramirez leads a group of lineman through drills.
Defensive backs coach Joe Woods gives advice on the positioning as Chris Harris Jr. looks on.
Defensive end Vance Walker stretches during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp.
Defensive end Antonio Smith stretches during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp.
Peyton Manning uncorks a pass during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
James Casey runs a drill during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Special Teams Coordinator Joe DeCamillis instructs players on a drill during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Head Coach Gary Kubiak and Defensive Wade Phillips have a conversation during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Tight end Dominique Jones during a drill during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Head Coach Gary Kubiak monitors practice during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Peyton Manning during practice during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Brock Osweiler makes a call during practice during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Offensive Coordinator Rick Dennison instructs players during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Members of the offensive line practice as offensive line coach Clancy Barone watches during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Offensive lineman Shelley Smith during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Executive Vice President of Football Operations/General Manager John Elway watches during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Owen Daniels looks to make a catch as T.J. Ward closes in during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Peyton Manning throws a pass during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Todd Davis and C.J. Anderson get tangled during practice on the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Linebacker Reggie Walker during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Safety Ross Madison looks to make a play during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Outside linebacker Gerald Rivers during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Tight end/fullback Joe Don Duncan looks to block at practice during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Safety Josh Bush looks to make a play during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
