The Broncos sit at their deepest point under head coach Sean Payton, but with depth comes hard choices. Payton himself has made clear that finding the right 53 is the priority, a process that has kept Denver’s brain trust up late into cutdown week. With rosters shrinking from 90 to 53 by 2 p.m. Mountain Time on Tuesday, and the chance to add up to 16 players to the practice squad after waivers, Denver is navigating a high-wire act of evaluation, injury handling, and strategic roster management.
What’s at stake
Denver’s 2024 roster is widely regarded as the most talented and versatile of Payton’s three seasons, but that abundance creates a crowded environment in which players who performed well in camp or preseason can still end up on the waivers or the practice squad. The team can also use injured reserve to manage longer-term absences, with the caveat that two IR placements can be made on Tuesday with return designations, potentially reshaping the final 53 even after initial cuts.
Recent moves and current status
As Tuesday rolled in, the Broncos’ final decision revolved around trimming to 53 and whether to preserve certain players for the practice squad. The latest updates showed Denver releasing quarterback Sam Ehlinger, a move that coach Payton indicated could be reversible if Ehlinger clears waivers and is brought back to the practice squad. That same day, the Broncos also moved to finalize their 53-man roster by sending a wave of cuts through the depth chart.
Among the notable cut developments:
– Tight end Caleb Lohner, a seventh-round pick with a limited college résumé but promising size and potential, was waived as Denver worked to shave down the tight end and fullback rooms. The club hopes Lohner can land on the practice squad if he passes through waivers.
– Fullback Mike Burton and inside linebacker Drew Sanders were placed on injured reserve, with Burton’s hamstring injury likely to keep him out beyond Week 1. The Broncos also kept options open regarding Burtons’ eventual return, including whether Prentice or Prieskorn could fill the short-term FB/TE roles.
– A number of veterans and depth players at various spots—defensive linemen, offensive linemen, and secondary players—were released or waived as Denver worked toward the 53-man target. The process included trimming the secondary and the linebacker corps, two areas Denver has been evaluating closely given the team’s depth and injury questions.
– The Broncos continued to whittle the undrafted and low-draft talent pool, with multiple UDFA receivers and corners facing waiver risk in what has become a competitive bubble period. The goal, as Payton has reiterated, is to keep the best 53, not simply to cut every possible body.
Position-by-position watching points
– Inside linebacker: The competition at ILB has been intense, with both undrafted rookies and veterans in the mix. Karene Reid emerged as a potential 53-man candidate, while others like Levelle Bailey were waved in what appeared to be an indicator that rookies like Reid or Turner may be ascending.
– Cornerback and nickel: With Damarri Mathis, Quinton Newsome, Reese Taylor, and Jaden Robinson in the fold, Denver’s corners are among the more dynamic but crowded groups. The Broncos will want to preserve enough depth to cover talented receivers across the league, while also keeping flexibility for nickel packages.
– Wide receiver and return game: Denver traded Devaughn Vele to balance a crowded WR room, but several UDFA receivers—such as Kyrese Rowan, Joaquin Davis, and Jerjuan Newton—were also in the mix to land on the practice squad if not claimed on waivers.
– Running back and fullback: The Broncos have leaned on a four-man RB room but remain open to bolstering depth via waivers or practice squad promotions if injuries strike. The preseason showed Payton’s willingness to deploy backs in multiple roles, which impacts how many backs Denver keeps and how many can be stashed on the practice squad.
– Tight end and fullback: The tight end room has multiple bodies capable of contributing, and the discussions around Prieskorn, Prentice, and Caleb Lohner suggest Denver will carry a versatile mix that can add blocker and pass-catching options as needed.
Trade and roster-planning context
There’s ongoing speculation around the league about moving players for draft capital or short-term upgrades, especially with a deep 53-man roster in play. While nothing is guaranteed, the Broncos’ depth could present trade leverage for the right quarterback-needy team or for a veteran who can be a stabilizing presence on the practice squad. Notably, Ehlinger’s potential as a trade chip has circulated, though any deal would hinge on waivers and his market value across the league.
Looking ahead
The deadline is tight, and Denver’s front office plans to wrap up the 53-man roster by Tuesday’s 2 p.m. MT mark, with additional waiver activity possible through Wednesday morning as practice squads are finalized. The Broncos will then shift their focus to assembling a coherent practice squad, ensuring two players who cleared waivers become eligible for the initial squad, and managing any remaining injuries via the IR process.
What this means for Broncos fans
Denver’s depth is a clear strength, offering flexibility and competition across multiple units. The tough cuts are a sign of a team with options rather than a depleted roster, and Payton’s process aims to balance immediate readiness with long-term development. A deeper squad can fuel stronger practices, reduce fatigue in the long run, and keep the Broncos competitive across a demanding 2024 season.
Summary and outlook
Denver enters the cutdown period with a robust roster, ready to pare down to 53 while preserving the most promising talent for the practice squad. The decisions will be driven by performance, injury status, and the team’s plan for Week 1 and beyond. If the depth pays off, the Broncos could emerge from camp with a resilient, versatile group capable of weathering injuries and rotating players without sacrificing playmaking ability.
Bottom-line takeaway
Denver’s depth is an asset that will test the roster moves and potential trades in the coming hours. The goal remains clear: assemble the best 53, then build a competitive practice squad and an adaptable game-day plan. The result could be a Broncos team with greater flexibility, more high-end competition, and a stronger path to sustained success in 2024.