ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Free agent safety Jim Leonhard practiced Tuesday for the first time since undergoing a right knee operation in December.

The Broncos removed him from their PUP list and placed him on their 90-man roster. He participated in drills with other defensive backs but was held out of team drills.

Leonhard said he hopes he can practice in team portions when the Broncos (No. 10 in the AP Pro32) return from a day off Thursday. He also said he’d like to play in one of Denver’s final two preseason games, but he’s sure the training staff will “protect me from myself” and take things slowly.

Leonhard is a seven-year veteran who spent the past three seasons as a fan favorite with the New York Jets following stints in Buffalo and Baltimore.