ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — As A.J. Bouye prepares to begin the next chapter of his career, he'll have to meet his new teammates from afar.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NFL announced rules this week that barred players from team facilities (except for those receiving medical treatment) and delayed the offseason program indefinitely.
Bouye previously visited Denver to undergo a physical that helped make his trade from Jacksonville official, but until further notice, he has no indication of when he'll be back in the building with his new teammates.
"I can reach out to [the Broncos]," Bouye said in a conference call Wednesday afternoon. "I have their number. I know they told me already, any questions that I have, just contact them. So that's what I'll do, especially with certain things that I've been watching right now and just watching the games from last year. Communication is definitely going to be a key with that."
Bouye, who is entering his eighth season, said he would ensure he was ready to hit the field whenever the players get the go-ahead to return.
"We really can't focus on when we're going to come back, so we just have to trust everybody in the NFL just to stay ready," Bouye said. "Them games might come through fast. We don't know what's going to happen with the offseason program, OTAs or even the preseason. Right now, all we can do is just focus on what we've got to do and just be ready."
Bouye's current setup should allow him to do just that, as he is working out at his home in Atlanta with a trainer.
When he is able to return to Denver, he expects to be able to make an impact at outside corner.
"That's all I've played since I've gotten into the league was outside," Bouye said. "I know I can hold my own out there, so I'm definitely not worried about that. I'm a physical corner, you know I'll come up and tackle. I'm always good in the run game. I feel like what makes me best is just my instincts. I study the game. I study it all the time and it's just a lot of concepts that fascinate me and I know I can make plays … in the right situation. So that's one thing, especially on the outside, I feel like I can do."
He'll do so for Head Coach Vic Fangio, who reportedly wanted Bouye to join the Bears in 2017 when he was defensive coordinator.
"It feels good to be wanted," Bouye said. "I'm definitely excited. He's done great things in Chicago, and he's doing them there in Denver. I'm definitely looking forward to that."
For now, though, Bouye will work out, watch tape of his new team and eagerly wait until he can head to Denver.
"I just loved the energy there," said Bouye of his quick trip to Denver last week. "… [On film I'm] seeing a lot of guys out there who just stand out making plays, and I'm just so excited to join that."
