Lloyd exits Broncos practice as precaution with knee swelling

The Broncos began practice Tuesday with Pro Bowl wide receiver Brandon Lloyd on the field. It didn't end that way.

Lloyd exited practiced early with knee swelling, according to *The Denver Post*, further thinning Denver's depleted wide receiving corps.

"He was able to start practice today and we're playing a game (Thursday), so we're going to err on the side of caution with him," Broncos coach John Fox said.

The Broncos are leaning heavily on Lloyd, who was a bright spot in Denver's otherwise dreary 2010 season. Lloyd was the NFL's leading receiver last season, tallying 1,448 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Denver is already without Demaryius Thomas, who is continuing his recovery from Achilles' tendon surgery and Eddie Royal, who sat out practice Monday and Tuesday to rest his surgically-repaired hip.

The Broncos open their preseason Thursday against the Dallas Cowboys.