Is this the year Denver Broncos linebacker Randy Gregory finally plays a full season?

The Broncos have two preseason games still to play and coach Sean Payton says the starters will get 20 to 24 plays on Saturday night in San Francisco. That group includes Randy Gregory.

Over the talented linebacker's 6 year NFL career he's dealt with a number of injuries and as a result has spent more time watching than playing. He's never played in every game in any season.

He only played in 6 games with Denver last year.

It hasn't been easy for Gregory.

"It sucks because you go in with an idea of what the dream is going to be like and you have hiccups and I think the big thing for me is I've been able to pick myself up and keep going," Gregory told reporters this week.

Gregory said he's now good to go. He played 10 plays in preseason game No. 1 and he'll likely double that on Saturday.

But all that matters is the regular season. The goal is no more spectating on the sidelines.

"My thing is fulfilling my end of the agreement and a big part of that is being able to be available and be healthy. So a lot of that has been in the offseason -- rehabbing and making sure that's good on that end," he said. "I truly feel like if I'm out there for 17 games plus I'll do what I need to do and that's the plan."