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Broncos' Emmanuel Sanders returns to practice; calls hit legal

Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders returned to practice Friday after sitting out the first few sessions of the week with a concussion.

It's a positive sign for Sanders' chances of suiting up Sunday against the Miami Dolphins - and for the Broncos' chances of getting back in the win column following an embarrassing loss to the St. Louis Rams. 

After practice, Sanders said that he feels ready to play Sunday and that the hit from Rodney McLeod that left him concussed was completely within the rules, although the Rams safety could have made a play on the ball.

"I think it was a legal hit," Sanders said. "Obviously, (McLeod) didn't hit me in the head head or lead with the head. He hit me with the shoulder. But in terms of the intentions of targeting, I feel like the guy could have had an opportunity to go for the ball, but I think his intentions the whole time were to come over and deliver a blow. That's the only thing I'm not happy about.

"I feel like the National Football League, although it is a violent game, you're also supposed to protect your brother. And most free safeties, they like interceptions. Obviously, his intent was to try and make a statement, and I guess he did.''

Sanders was able to pass concussion protocols before taking part in Friday's practice and appears to be on track to be in the lineup against the Dolphins.

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