QB Brady Quinn: foot is fine

DENVER (AP) - Brady Quinn says his severely sprained left foot is no longer an issue.

Quinn was asked about his foot Thursday during his first news conference in Denver since his acquisition Sunday from the Cleveland Browns, and said: "The foot is good, I appreciate you asking."

Quinn passed his physical Tuesday, completing the deal that sent fullback Peyton Hillis and two draft picks to the Browns for the former first-rounder who starred at Notre Dame.

Quinn, who started nine games last year, finished the season on injured reserve after sustaining a severe Lisfranc sprain, a tear of the ligament that holds his first two toes in place, in his left foot on Dec. 20 against Kansas City. He spent two months in a walking boot.

Lisfranc sprains can require surgery and threaten careers, but that's not the case with Quinn, who also finished the 2008 season in IR with a broken finger on his right hand.

"It has been frustrating," he said. "Throughout college I took some hits, but I never had an injury. The type of injuries I've had have been more freakish and weird. My finger breaking. I've never hit a helmet before. The way I got tackles when I hit my foot. It was an awkward was of landing. It was unfortunate."

Now, he said he can plant the foot and run just fine.

"Oh yeah. Everything. Jump over cars. Everything," he joked.

Quinn has been participating in the Broncos' offseason workout program since passing his physical.

"The only tough adjustment right now has been the altitude. Going up and down stairs has been a little rough," he said.

Quinn said he senses some familiarity with Denver's playbook. Quinn played for Charlie Weis at Notre Dame and Broncos coach Josh McDaniels worked with Weis in New England.

Quinn said he hasn't been in touch with incumbent quarterback Kyle Orton, who is the Broncos' union representative and has been in Hawaii for the players association's annual meetings.

McDaniels hasn't publicly thrown open the quarterback competition as he did a year ago, when Orton, who was acquired from Chicago in the Jay Cutler trade last April, was selected as the starter over Chris Simms in June.

Quinn is a veteran of quarterback competitions, having vied with Derek Anderson since he was drafted with the 22nd overall pick in 2007.

"My prior experience has made me understand what it's like to be in the NFL," Quinn said. "There are situations where teams are going to draft you to give you the job. My experience in Cleveland was always competitive. I think that's what you have to do. It makes everybody better on the team when guys are competing and working harder.

"When the season comes around, the coaches make that decision," Quinn added. "I think that is one of the biggest things, whether you are the starter or the backup, both guys have to prepare to be that guy."

Quinn said he's not exactly viewing this as a fresh start after three mostly frustrating seasons with the Browns.

"I didn't look at it like that. We're all presented with different opportunities in our lives. I look at this as a great opportunity, a chance to work with Coach McDaniels," Quinn said. "I've really enjoyed the first few days, to continue to grow in the system that I am somewhat familiar with."