--CB Tyrone Poole was signed. The Broncos are deep at cornerback but Poole brings a veteran presence and could fight for a roster spot.

--CB Wale Dada was signed by the Broncos after he was let go by New Orleans. Dada has a long road to making the final roster.

--RB Anthony Alridge missed the Broncos' second preseason game with a slight hamstring pull. Alridge is a candidate to make the final roster because of his speed and playmaking ability, but might need to finish the preseason strong.

--FB Peyton Hillis returned from a hamstring injury that cost him most of the first two weeks of camp, but went right back to a significant role behind starting fullback Cecil Sapp. If Hillis finishes the preseason strong, he could have a role in the offense when the regular season begins.

--RB Andre Hall got a couple of chances in short-yardage and goal-line situations against Dallas and did well. He converted a fourth-and-one and had a one-yard touchdown run later. Hall could be the Broncos' goal-line back because Ryan Torain is hurt and Selvin Young isn't very big.

BATTLE OF THE WEEK: Tony Scheffler vs. Nate Jackson for No. 2 TE -- Scheffler is listed as the second tight end on the depth chart but the position that really matters is the second tight end in two tight-end sets along with starter Daniel Graham. Jackson has held that spot since the start of camp. Jackson has always been a favorite of the coaches and began last season as the second tight end with the starting offense after Scheffler missed training camp with a foot injury. Even if Scheffler wins the spot as expected, sharing any time with Jackson would cut into his statistical production.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: S Marquand Manuel -- Manuel took advantage of the opportunity he was given when Hamza Abdullah was out for a week-and-a-half with a groin injury. When Abdullah, who was a starter at the beginning of camp, returned, he was with the second team. That's because Manuel, a veteran, performed well when he was out. Manuel started the second preseason game and Abdullah will have to earn the job back.

ROOKIE REPORT: OT Ryan Clady had quite a test in practice against Dallas OLB DeMarcus Ware. After a tough first practice, Clady improved and held his ground against the Pro Bowl pass rusher. ... WR Eddie Royal has started both preseason games, has played well and should be a starter once the season begins. ... CB Jack Williams had a big interception in the fourth quarter against Dallas, and could push to be the Broncos' fourth cornerback. ... OL Kory Lichtensteiger got some reps at center because Tom Nalen is hurt and the Broncos were limiting Casey Wiegmann to one practice a day. ... S Josh Barrett tweaked his ankle on the first play against Dallas but returned later.

INJURY REPORT:

--LB Boss Bailey has a high ankle sprain. The team is hopeful Bailey returns for the regular-season opener.

--C Tom Nalen needs another left knee surgery following the one he had in June. Coach Mike Shanahan said he is still hopeful Nalen will be available for the Sept. 8 regular-season opener. "It hasn't healed the way we'd like," Shanahan said. "And so tomorrow he's going to go in and get a little cleanup. Hopefully, nothing too serious and relieve some of the swelling and the pain." Until Nalen returns, he will be replaced by veteran Casey Wiegmann.

--CB Champ Bailey has a hamstring injury, but it isn't serious and he will be ready for the start of the regular season.

--RB Ryan Torain is out three months with a broken bone and ligament damage in his elbow.

--LB Louis Green sat out of practice all week with a neck injury. He could return soon.