The Denver Broncos are currently trimming their roster to reach the mandatory 53-man limit and a 16-man practice squad.. According to the report, the process is unusually smooth because 45 players are already considered locks for the final squad.
The 45 Locked-In Players and a Decade of Stability
The Denver Broncos are entering a transition period that feels remarkably stable compared to previous years.. The report notes that having 45 players essentially cemented on the roster makes this one of the most straightforward cutdown cycles the organization has seen in ten years. This level of certainty suggests a cohesive core has been established, reducing the high-stress volatility usually associated with the final roster cuts.
This stability provides the coaching staff with the luxury of focusing on specific developmental roles rather than fighting for core starters . while most teams face agonizing decisions across the board, the Denver Broncos can afford to be more surgical with their remaining slots, particularly in the practice squad where Humphrey and Bandy remain favorites of head coach Sean Payton.
Sean Payton's Three-and-Three Split at Running Back
A significant tactical shift is emerging under head coach Sean Payton, who is departing from his traditional preference for carrying four running backs. Instead, the Denver Broncos are implementing a three-and-three split this season. This move comes despite the strong performance of Schrader, who recorded over 100 yards from scrimmage during a matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.
This strategic pivot suggests a leaner approach to the backfield, though it leaves the team with very little redundancy at specific roles. For instance, Prentice remains the only player on the roster capable of handling the fullback position, making him an indispensable but solitary asset in that specific tactical capacity.
Justin Joly's Rise and the Exit of Lucas Krull
The Denver Broncos are making decisive changes to their offensive skill positions and line based on preseason performance. At tight end, Justin Joly has emerged as a bright spot and will make the roster, while Lucas Krull is expected to be cut following a poor preseason. Similarly, the offensive line will see Peart secure a spot over Crum, who the report describes as having an "awful preseason."
On the perimeter, the wide receiver group remains largely static with the top five players already set. However, the Denver Broncos are expected to retain Katsis, primarily due to his specialized ability as a returner, adding a layer of special teams versatility to the final 53-man squad.
The Barron Question and the Cooper Absence
Defensively , the Denver Broncos are leaning into a five-and-five split between cornerbacks and safeties. While the team has sufficient depth to handle the absence of Cooper—thanks to the contributions of Robinson and the previous year's growth from Elliss and Tillman—some uncertainty remains regarding the secondary. Specifically, there are lingering questions about whether Barron can solidify his role among the cornerbacks.
The team is also looking to bolster its developmental pipeline, as the Denver Broncos are expected to keep three safeties on the practice squad. Furthermore, as reported, the organization may look outside its current roster to find a suitable candidate to fill a practice squad spot on the interior defensive line, indicating that the internal competition for that specific role was insufficient.
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