Emmanuel Sanders was first in line from the southwest tunnel at Broncos Stadium on Monday night for player introductions. The Denver wide receiver smiled, twirled a right hand into his chest and took a bow.
Toss it up as a pre-celebration for a welcome-back party eight months in the making.
Sanders, in his first game action since tearing his left Achilles tendon at practice last winter, did not disappoint.
The Broncos’ opening offensive snap in their preseason home debut against the 49ers was a quick pass from quarterback Joe Flacco to Sanders that picked up 5 yards.