Elway Still ‘Doubtful’ for Sunday : Broncos: Quarterback does not test sore shoulder during practice.

Friday was John Elway’s big test.

He didn’t pass.

The Denver Bronco quarterback had hoped to test his ailing right shoulder by throwing passes for the first time since last Sunday, when he was injured against the New York Giants.

But when Elway continued to experience soreness while throwing during warm-ups Friday, he did not attempt to pass in the regular practice.

As a result, he remains “doubtful” for Sunday’s game against the Raiders at the Coliseum.

“It was tough,” Elway told the Associated Press. “It was awful sore and stiff. I didn’t have the range of motion I need.”

Elway was hurt while scrambling in the second quarter of the Giant game. Tackled by New York safety Greg Jackson, Elway landed heavily on the shoulder.

He returned and further bruised the shoulder later in the quarter when he helped make a tackle after an interception.

Tommy Maddox finished the game and the former UCLA star has been named as Sunday’s starter should Elway be unable to perform.

In the season opener between the Broncos and Raiders, Elway made the difference, directing his club in a game-winning drive in the closing minutes to pull out a 17-13 victory at Mile High Stadium.

“I’m not encouraged right now,” Elway said after testing the shoulder Friday. “I didn’t feel as good as I was hoping I would. I’m hoping with two more days, it will be ready to go.”

His coach, Dan Reeves, wasn’t as optimistic.

“If he can’t throw Friday,” Reeves said, “the chances of him getting that much improvement aren’t good.”

Reeves said the final decision could be delayed up until 90 minutes before kickoff.

“If John feels good on Sunday,” Reeves said, “then there’s a chance he’ll play. If he’s not close to 100%, we won’t play him. We are not going to jeopardize our season for one game.”