Tempe, Ariz. – Tonight will be the final chance for several players to make their case to be part of the Broncos’ 53-man roster.
Most of the decisions will be made by kickoff against the Arizona Cardinals at Sun Devil Stadium. The team must pare down to its final roster by 4 p.m. Saturday.
Among the players on the bubble are defensive linemen Dorsett Davis and Anton Palepoi, offensive lineman Dwayne Carswell, kicker Paul Ernster, receiver Todd Devoe, quarterback Matt Mauck, cornerback Roc Alexander and linebacker Jashon Sykes.
“I’m going out there trying to kick my way onto the team,” said Ernster, a seventh-round pick trying to convince the Broncos to keep three kickers. “I’m looking at this as the most important game of my life. I’m definitely out trying to make this team in the game.”
Value rises
According to Forbes magazine, the Broncos are the sixth most valuable franchise in the NFL. They are worth $907 million, with an 11 percent increase in the past year.
The Washington Redskins are the most valuable at $1.26 billion. The league average worth, according to the report, is $819 million.
Helping hand
The Broncos are pitching in to help residents of the Gulf Coast in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. On the team’s website, there is a link to the McCormick Tribune Foundation, which owner Pat Bowlen is heavily involved with.
The foundation is matching fifty cents for every dollar donated to the hurricane relief fund. The NFL donated $1 million to the hurricane relief fund Thursday.
The Cardinals will take donations at the gates tonight before the game. A Cardinals spokesman said the funds will go directly to the Red Cross. Team owner Bill Bidwell has pledged a $25,000 donation.
Noteworthy
Defensive end Chukie Nwokorie was released after receiving an injury settlement Thursday. Nwokorie was hampered by a left quadriceps injury.
