The Broncos’ major remaining challenges have to do with backup players, and they have eight days to decide.
The first cuts are Tuesday, and rosters must be finalized by Sept. 3. Players hoping to be part of the 53-man roster have two exhibition games – the next on Saturday against Indianapolis at Invesco Field at Mile High – to make their case.
The reserves competing for spots carry some intrigue. Will Colorado State product Bradlee Van Pelt hold on to the No. 2 quarterback job? Will 42-year-old Jerry Rice overtake the struggling Darius Watts for the No. 3 receiver’s job? What will the Broncos do with third-round pick Maurice Clarett, buried at the bottom of the tailback depth chart?
The following is a position-by-position look at the roster and how it could shake out the next week:
Quarterback
The Broncos know they can get away with keeping two quarterbacks. They have done it in the past, including last year.
Barring a major change in his play, it appears Van Pelt, who has been working as the backup, will be Jake Plummer’s backup.
The question is whether the Broncos will want to keep Matt Mauck, who has been working as the No. 3 quarterback, or Danny Kanell, the backup last year. If cut, Mauck could be headed to the practice squad again, if the Broncos want to save a roster spot for an extra specialist. However, with Van Pelt’s inexperience, the team may want to keep a third quarterback.
Running back
There’s a good chance the team will keep four tailbacks, which is unusual. Mike Anderson, who appears close to being set as the No. 1 tailback, Tatum Bell and Ron Dayne (who appears to be set for a resurgence) look to be locks.
However, the team also likes Quentin Griffin, who is expected to make his preseason debut Saturday. Don’t be surprised if Denver shops a running back in the next week, with Griffin being the most likely candidate. If there are no buyers, the team could keep four tailbacks.
Then there is the case of Clarett. He has been practicing this week after missing almost two weeks with a groin injury.
If the injury worsens, Clarett could be headed toward the injured reserve or might be cut with the idea of putting him on the practice squad, but there’s a risk of him being claimed from waivers. If the team wants Clarett on the 53-man roster, it’s possible that just one fullback, Kyle Johnson, could be kept. That would put Cecil Sapp on the outside. However, Sapp is suffering from a hamstring injury, and he could be headed to the injured reserve if his healing doesn’t progress.
Receivers
If Denver goes with six running backs, it likely would keep five receivers. But that may be tough. If free agent Todd Devoe makes a couple of big plays in the final two games, it may be too difficult to keep him off the roster. Charlie Adams has been one of the stars of the preseason and appears to be a lock for the roster. Even without Devoe, 2004 sixth-round draft pick Triandos Luke may be in trouble.
Tight ends
This position appears set. Stephen Alexander (who has been playing in single tight end sets), Jeb Putzier and Nate Jackson should all have active roles. All three are exceptional receivers. If the Broncos go into a four-receiver set, it doesn’t have to be all receivers.
Offensive line
Though it would be unusual, there’s a chance Denver could keep just seven offensive linemen. The team doesn’t use many backups at this position and because of logjams elsewhere, it could be a possibility. Among the top candidates to be backups are Chris Watton and Cornell Green. Sixth-round pick Chris Myers and guard Tim Stuber have played well. The team loves Dwayne Cars- well, who is working on the line for the second straight summer. He was moved back to tight end on the eve of last season. Cars- well said recently he doesn’t think he would be moved back to tight end.
Defensive line
Here’s another position the team likely will have to keep extra players. While some teams keep nine on this unit, Denver may be tempted to keep as many as 11. Players like Dorsett Davis, Anton Palepoi, Luther Elliss and Raylee Johnson are on the bubble. The team likes Davis and Palepoi because of their youth. Davis was the subject of trade talk before camp and his name could be bandied about in the next week, but if he plays well in the final two games, he could be kept. Palepoi may be the sixth end in camp, but it may be worth keeping the strong pass rushers.
Linebackers
The backups at this position were a concern heading into camp, but the Broncos are happy here and close to being set. Backups Terry Pierce and Patrick Chukwurah are near locks to make the team as is special teams ace Keith Burns. Thus, it may be difficult for former starter Jashon Sykes to make the team. Still, the temptation could be to keep him. He could be shopped as well.
Defensive backs
With draft picks Darrent Williams, Domonique Foxworth and Karl Paymah all playing well, they’ll be the backup cornerbacks. The team may keep two or three backup safeties. Newly acquired Marques Anderson is not guaranteed of making the team but will make a push along with Sam Brandon and Jeremy LeSueur. It could come down to Anderson and Brandon, who was shopped last year at this time.
Specialists
Denver will likely keep rookie kickoff specialist Paul Ernster. Mike Leach, an emergency tight end, is the snapper. Having four specialists isn’t ideal, but having four solid specialists may be worth it.
Setting sights
Staff writer Mike Klis looks at five goals the Broncos hope to accomplish Saturday night in their third preseason game, against the Indianapolis Colts:
1. Hold Peyton Manning to 14 points: No sense getting greedy. Colts’ QB is scheduled to play at least the first half. Rookie corners Darrent Williams and Domonique Foxworth will be tested while Champ Bailey heals.
2. 17 points from Jake and first-team offense: Broncos QB Jake Plummer can cap a splendid preseason (13-for-19, 171 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INT) in final tuneup.
3. A catch from Ashley Lelie in traffic: Broncos’ No. 1 deep threat has just one catch for 30 yards in the preseason.
4. Two defensive turnovers: Still don’t have one through two preseason games after getting just 20 in 16 regular-season games last year.
5. Better special-teams play: Todd Sauerbrun had a punt blocked and Jason Elam missed two long FGs last week. Williams averaging just 3.0 yards a punt return, and 25.0 yards on kickoffs.
Staff writer Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-1993 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
