​This article was posted on Omaha.com on August 22, 2017.

Denver Broncos outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett has been cleared to resume football activities, giving the former Boys Town and UNO player hopes of returning by the first or second game of the NFL regular season.

Barrett suffered a hip injury in May while working out on his own. The injury did not require surgery, as originally feared, leaving the Broncos optimistic about the backup's return.

Barrett participated in individual drills Tuesday after being moved from the non-football injury list to the active roster.

Denver recently has been hit by injuries to outside linebacker Shane Ray (wrist) and defensive end DeMarcus Walker (hip). Also currently sidelined are defensive ends Derek Wolfe (ankle) and Jared Crick (back). The Broncos are hopeful that Crick, a former Nebraska player, can return in time for the Sept. 11 opener with San Diego.

Barrett is a fourth-year pro whose best season came in 2015, when he made six starts and had 5.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. After playing as a true freshman at UNO in 2010, he transferred when the Mavericks dropped football and finished his college career at Colorado State, where he was the Mountain West defensive player of the year in 2013.