With Von Missing, Shaq Barrett Has Been Getting More Reps
CENTENNIAL, Colo. (CBS4) - While Von Miller's absence from Broncos offseason practices meant more reps against the starters for linebacker Shaquil Barrett, he says everyone is hoping he's back with the team soon.
Miller went missing from team headquarters when the two sides couldn't agree on a new contract. The team has until mid-July to work out a long-term deal.
"With Von gone, we miss his personality in the locker room," said Barrett on Xfinity Monday Live. "It's going to be hard to replace that, but we've got confidence that he's going to be back soon."
Barrett said he and his teammates understand the situation is all about the business side of football, but he says they have been paying attention to the developments, including last week when Von Miller took to social media to declare that he won't play under the franchise tag.
"We saw ... about how the deal was off and it's declined and everybody started talking a little bit about it. But we support him and we know that they are going to do what needs to be done to get him back," Barrett said.
Even when Miller is present, Barrett has an important role with the Broncos linebacking corps. He had six starts last season with 50 total tackles, 5 1/2 sacks and four forced fumbles.
Barrett said he's most proud of the forced fumbles.
"That's potential turnovers right there, and it can set the offense up pretty good," he said.
The NFL Network recently did a feature on Barrett's diet. Big changes in what he eats have helped him drop his bodyweight down to 11 percent.
