Broncos Notebook: Ex-Charger Jacob Hester adjusts to new team

It was "a little weird" for newly signed RB Jacob Hester to close a workout by yelling, "Broncos," but after signing Monday to provide short-yardage punch and pass-protection acumen, he'll get used to it.

By Andrew Mason

Nov 26, 2012 at 7:14 pm ET • 2 min read

After facing the Broncos for four years, Jacob Hester joins them. (US Presswire)

As RB Jacob Hester wrapped up his first workout as a member of the Broncos on Monday, the reality of his new situation settled in as he and teammates gathered for a post-lifting huddle.

"I'm not going to lie: today in the weight room, they broke it down on, 'Broncos!' and that was a little weird, saying 'Broncos,'" Hester said, smiling. "But I'm excited."

Hester was signed to the Broncos' roster Monday morning, issued jersey No. 40 and immediately went to work learning the offense and meeting his new teammates after being out of work for the past 12 weeks since San Diego cut him in the preseason.

He had workouts with four teams during his dozen weeks out of the game, and the Broncos were his last stop for a session Nov. 21, one day before Thanksgiving, which complicated matters.

"With Thanksgiving being on that next day and only being here half a day and then traveling on Friday, it didn't make sense to do anything then," Hester said. "They said the workout went well, and they'd get in touch with me Sunday. They did, and they held to their word. So I'm here now."

Broncos coach John Fox said that "a lot" of Hester's workout focused on pass protection, offering a hint of part of his role in the offense. Hester is also the most proven short-yardage runner among the runners currently on the active roster with Willis McGahee out until January because of torn medial collateral ligament and a fractured bone in his knee.

Denver did not have to cut anyone to make room for Hester, since the spot vacated when McGahee was placed on injured reserve last week was not filled until now.

RB Johnson re-signed: RB Jeremiah Johnson was re-signed to the practice squad Monday. Johnson was released from the practice squad Saturday in a procedural move; because the Broncos were one man short of the 53-man limit on the primary roster, they had to cut one player from their practice squad. Hester's signing meant the Broncos had a full complement again.

Ayers with family after father's death: DE Robert Ayers left the team to be with his family. Ayers' father died suddenly Saturday night, but Ayers remained with the team in Kansas City and played 21 snaps Sunday.

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