DENVER -- Quarterback Brian Griese practiced for the second straight day Saturday and appeared primed to play Monday night when the Denver Broncos meet the Baltimore Ravens.

	Griese

Griese was held out of Thursday's workout after he sprained his left ankle when he was tripped by his dog on the stairs at his home the night before. X-rays were taken to be sure there was no fracture.

But Griese made a rapid recovery, sharing snaps with backup Steve Beuerlein in both the Friday and Saturday practices.

Coach Mike Shanahan said Griese "looked a lot better'' Saturday than he did on Friday.

"He should be ready to go,'' the coach said.

If Griese can't play, veteran Steve Beuerlein would replace him.

Noting that Griese had more than 48 hours to recover further before Monday's game, Shanahan said, "I think that's going to help him, but he looks good right now. He could have played today.''

Shanahan admitted he was surprised at Griese's quick recovery.

"It's amazing what they can do with treatment,'' he said. "It was swollen, black and blue. Brian has worked extremely hard to get that thing back. To see him come back that quick is really a credit to him.''

Griese said he was walking down some stairs when his golden retriever, Bella, came barreling after him and tripped him. After the explanation, he was hounded by his teammates, including tight end Shannon Sharpe, who said, "I'm not a very good storyteller, but I think I could have come up with one better than that.''

Even Ravens coach Brian Billick couldn't resist getting in a shot.

"I see Brian got the dog that I sent him,'' Billick quipped.