Denver Broncos star WR Demaryius Thomas was notably absent from opening day of the team’s mandatory minicamp.
The three-time pro bowler is choosing to stay away from the Broncos’ offseason program after the team used it’s $12.8 million franchise tag on him in place of a new long term deal. However, although the workouts he skipped are technically considered ‘mandatory’, Thomas isn’t subject to any fines or discipline because he has yet to sign his tender.
According to USA Today, Thomas continues to maintain he will be in attendance for the start of Bronco’s training camp next month. He also has remained in contact with head coach Gary Kubiak and QB Peyton Manning so he doesn’t fall too far behind.
“He’s [Thomas] going to be here and be a great player for this football team,” Kubiak said. “It’s our job as coaches, when he does come in, to find out exactly where he’s at, where we need to go and make sure we have a plan to get there. We can’t just Day 1 say, ‘Go. “We’ve got to have a plan in place and we will.”
Coming off a franchise-record 1,619 receiving yards and 11 tds, one would think this wouldn’t be an issue at this point, but that’s the NFL for you.
[h/t USA Today]