Golf, whether in the Bay Area while with San Francisco 49ers or in the Denver area, always sounds like a good idea.

Sleep in? Sometimes simple is best.

Kick the feet up and watch a movie, maybe a little bit of film along the way? Indeed, air conditioning feels great after a long stretch of days on the field.

These days, McGlinchey sees none of that.

But, he said, it¶¶Ņõap for good reason. Heā€™s been promoted.

McGlinchey and his wife, Brooke, welcomed their second child the day after the Broncos lost in the AFC Championship Game.

ā€œI would say dad is very much a support player, a role player, the first time around,ā€ McGlinchey said earlier this summer. ā€œAll of a sudden, when thereā€™s no free set of hands, dad gets elevated to the starting lineup.

ā€œIt¶¶Ņõap fun. My son is almost 2 now. He doesnā€™t stop moving, he doesnā€™t stop talking and it¶¶Ņõap a lot of fun. ā€¦ It¶¶Ņõap a full-time job, man. And Iā€™ve got two of them now. It¶¶Ņõap been a lot of fun and it¶¶Ņõap the biggest blessing in the world.ā€

That¶¶Ņõap a common theme around the Broncos locker room. The team features a bunch of young dads, including multi-kid veterans like McGlinchey, left tackle Garett Bolles and safety Talanoa Hufanga and also new additions to the ranks this offseason in quarterback Bo Nix and safety Brandon Jones.

Players spend training camp together in a hotel, so family time gets limited. After practice, families and friends of players make their way from the balcony and courtyard viewing area at the new team facility down to the indoor practice field and players make their way up for quick visits. Naturally, then, that¶¶Ņõap how many like to spend their off days, too.

Second-year wide receiver Pat Bryant, who got married this summer during OTAs, said he takes a similar low-key approach on the rare occasion the club gets an off day.

ā€œIt¶¶Ņõap a couple things to do around here that are fun, but my main focus is getting rest,ā€ said Bryant, who has had a terrific training camp and appears poised for a Year 2 breakout. ā€œGet as much sleep as possible, hang out with the wife for a couple hours and just kick my feet up and relax.ā€

All-Pro right guard Quinn Meinerz is a man of many hobbies, but he said recently that he used a weekend day to see released on 70-millimeter film by director Christopher Nolan this summer. You can also find Meinerz on an off day at the bowling alley, checking out avian variety with his birdwatching setup and app or, after dark, peering at the night sky through his telescope.

Players on the team have all kinds of other hobbies and things they like to do with their downtime during the summer or even during the regular season. If there’s a fishing spot to be found, Bolles may be there. Same for kicker Wil Lutz, who is also a high-quality golfer. Players in the offseason find unique, do-it-yourself workout routines, even if they’re also using the Broncos facilities. Veteran inside linebacker Alex Singleton set himself up with a sauna and cold plunge at his house and is a big believer in mobility-based training. Jaleel McLaughlin said he regularly made the trip to Colorado Springs to conquer the Manitou Incline. On the other end of the team’s weight spectrum from the diminutive running back, so, too, did Meinerz make the incline climb.

That’s all well and good, but training camp is a different story. In the heart of it, the Broncos were on the field 10 days in an 11-day stretch. The prep for 10 a.m. practices starts early and the last of the meetings goes well into the evening. It can feel like Groundhog Day.

When asked which day the previous week the team had gone together to see the new “Spider-Man” movie, All-Pro outside linebacker Nik Bonitto said he wasn’t even sure what day it was at that very moment.

There’s just not much downtime. After the Broncos’ preseason-opening win at Atlanta, the team’s charter landed back at Denver International Airport a little after 1 a.m. Saturday morning. Head coach Sean Payton said they had a practice scheduled for that afternoon. Not a taxing one, but back to it nonetheless.

That’s why rest and relaxation often win out when a rare camp-off day pops up on the schedule. You’ve got to be prepared for the grind, especially when your reason for playing starts to expand.

ā€œJust being married give you a little extra job knowing that here soon Iā€™m going to start a nice family,” Bryant, the 24-year-old receiver said with a smile recently. “Overall, it¶¶Ņõap been great knowing Iā€™ve got my wife in the stands, her family, my family. Iā€™m looking forward to spending the rest of my life with my wife.ā€

Oh, right, there’s one more staple of a camp off-day: The honey-do list.

Bryant’s sure-handed in that regard, too.

ā€œI took the garbage out before we were married,” he said.

NFL teams must reduce their rosters from 90 players to 53 by 4 p.m. Sunday, which means as soon as Friday night’s preseason finale ends, the process of finalizing the first version of an active roster kicks into high gear.

So many of Denverā€™s starters and key role players return from past years and little doubt exists about their roles.

Still, there are several spots up for grabs and, perhaps more pertinently, there are several levers the Broncos can pull to get as many players back into their building as possible.

The job isnā€™t to pick the best 53 players, necessarily. Head coach Sean Payton always uses the term ā€œthe right 53.ā€

That means some players who are going to be part of Denverā€™s equation this season could start on the practice squad, be cut and re-signed to the 53-man roster a day later, start the season on injured reserve or any number of other machinations.

Having a deep roster means added risk of losing players between Sunday afternoon and the 11 a.m. claiming deadline, after which teams can begin assembling their practice squads.

ā€œI think that gets weighed in a lot,ā€ Payton said of whoā€™s most at risk of getting claimed. ā€œIā€™ll turn to the analytics and a lot of it is what kind of tape the opponents seeing. That gets weighed in a lot. Who do we feel like is more likely to get claimed? Certain positions are more likely to get claimed.

ā€œSo that¶¶Ņõap always a challenge.ā€

A challenge, but one weā€™re taking on one final time. Hereā€™s a last stab at a 53-man roster.

Changes from last weekā€™s projection are italicized.

OFFENSE (24)

QUARTERBACKS (3)

Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham, Sam Ehlinger

Final call: Taking three quarterbacks is going to cost Denver a player somewhere else, but in the end, that¶¶Ņõap the call here. Ehlinger didnā€™t sound earlier this week like a player who planned on packing his bags any time soon, then he authored a terrific preseason finale. Plus, there arenā€™t any good Payton-experienced quarterbacks out there as practice squad options.

If they take two to start, it¶¶Ņõap most likely because they swung a deal with Ehlinger or found a trade option they liked. Ehlinger is a veteran, so he can sign anywhere if he’s cut. Depending on how much injured reserve activity the Broncos have, they could cut Ehlinger with a promise he’s back on the 53-man roster in a day. Or they could ask him to start the season on the practice squad.Ā The real curveball would be a two-man Nix/Ehlinger room to start.

RUNNING BACK (3)

J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey, Jonah Coleman

Final call: The Broncos will press all the buttons to squeeze extra spots out of the roster. In this projection, that means cutting Adam Prentice with the agreement that heā€™ll be signed to the practice squad, elevated three times and/or added back to the 53 when a spot becomes available. Prentice has had a good camp and will be in the mix one way or another.

If Jaleel McLaughlin and/or Tyler Badie clear waivers and return to the practice squad, all the better. Historic odds on players claimed suggest at least one will. Cody Schrader could be a practice squad option, too.

TIGHT END (4)

Adam Trautman, Evan Engram, Nate Adkins and Justin Joly

Final call: Joly hasnā€™t had a big training camp, but he finished with a bang on a wide-open 88-yard touchdown Friday night. Caleb Lohner hasnā€™t practiced at all and seems like a candidate to begin the season on injured reserve. They could wait a day and thus save a return designation for now to ensure that Lohner actually does recover and get fully healthy. Canā€™t rule out Dallen Bentley or Lucas Krull nabbing a spot, but they feel like the most likely to get through waivers.

WIDE RECEIVER (5)

Courtland Sutton, Jaylen Waddle, Pat Bryant, Marvin Mims Jr., Troy Franklin

Final call: The same five it¶¶Ņõap been all of camp. The sticking point here: Lilā€™Jordan Humphrey is almost certainly going to be part of the plan. In this case, he either starts on the practice squad or is a one-day cut until the Broncos place someone else on injured reserve. Denver will feel fortunate if all of its undrafted rookie receivers get through to the practice squad. There are a ton of receivers out there around the league, but Cam Ross and/or Kolbe Katsis could factor on special teams at some point in the not-so-distant future and could draw attention from other teams.

OFFENSIVE LINE (9)

Garett Bolles, Ben Powers, Luke Wattenberg, Quinn Meinerz, Mike McGlinchey, Alex Palczewski, Kage Casey, Alex Forsyth, Tyler MillerĀ 

Final call: Let¶¶Ņõap get a little bit wild. In this projection, Frank Crum is placed on injured reserve Sunday with a designation to return. Then, thereā€™s the Tyler Miller conversation. The Broncos have lost a developmental tackle each of the past two years at the cutdown. They know the value of such players. If they can get Calvin Throckmorton and Matt Peart to agree to start the year on the practice squad, this becomes possible. The end goal here: Keep as many of this group as possible for as long as possible.

DEFENSE (26)

DEFENSIVE LINE (7)

Zach Allen, D.J. Jones, Malcolm Roach, Eyioma Uwazurike, Tyler Onyedim, Jordan Jackson, Saiā€™Vion Jones

Final call: Maybe the Broncos ultimately feel like they have to choose between Jackson and Saiā€™Vion Jones, but this coaching staff and front office have prided themselves on building depth in both trenches. If there are ways around cutting somebody up front, theyā€™ll find them. Jackson is too reliable and Jones too young to part ways with just yet, though the latter has had a relatively quiet camp.

“Every year is different and you really never know,” said Jackson, whose made the 53 each of the past two years. “Five weeks to put in the work I’ve put in. We’ll see how it all comes out.”

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER (5)

Nik Bonitto, Jonah Elliss, Que Robinson, Dondrea Tillman, Ron Stone, Jr.

Final call: Time is ticking quickly, but in this version, the projection is that the Broncos will have clarity on Jonathon Cooperā€™s status — a suspension levied by the NFL or (perhaps more likely at the moment) a placement on the commissionerā€™s exempt list — by the time the roster cutdown arrives. Stone makes it as a depth piece, at least to start. The tough call here is what to do with Drew Sanders. Is it injured reserve? They have to use one of eight return designations to put him there Sunday but if they carry him for one day, they can stash him and decide later whether to bring him back. Still, Sanders has played four games in the past two seasons. It may be time for a fresh start. If there’s no decision on Cooper at 4 p.m. Sunday, he’ll be on the roster.

INSIDE LINEBACKER (5)

Alex Singleton, Justin Strnad, Red Murdock, Jordan Turner, Karene ReidĀ 

Final call: The Broncos had a curveball thrown this week when Taylor Rapp left after just one practice. Reid, Turner and Murdock are all special teams staples and it¶¶Ņõap easy to see any of them getting time on defense if either Singleton or Strnad miss time. Murdock has been calling the defense in practice, the type of investment that makes it easy to think Denver wants to keep him around for a while. The question: Are Reid and Turner worthy of among the last spots on the roster. Their special teams work last year and preseason playing time so far this summer suggest yes.

CORNERBACK (5)

Pat Surtain II, Riley Moss, Jaā€™Quan McMillian, Jahdae Barron, Kris Abrams-Draine

Final call: One of the toughest calls to leave off the roster is Reese Taylor. The Broncos are just fortunate to have high-quality depth across the cornerback group, which works against Taylor despite his special teams ability and ability to play in the slot on defense. Heā€™s a player who will likely feel like a little bit of a risk trying to get through waivers. He also sustained a concussion Friday night against the Vikings.

SAFETY (4)

Talanoa Hufanga, Brandon Jones, Devon Key, JL Skinner

Final call: Miles Scott is a nice developmental player, but based on his role and playing time so far in camp, perhaps Denver is hoping they can get that redshirt year done on the practice squad. Tycen Anderson was one of the most conspicuous players not to dress Friday night vs. Minnesota. Those guys are either already on the roster or definitely not making it. The guess here is the latter.

SPECIAL TEAMS (3)

Wil Lutz (PK), Jeremy Crawshaw (P), Mitchell Fraboni (LS)

Final call: Easy. Theyā€™ve got Luke Bassoā€™s number if they need a long-snapper at any point during the season.

Most of Oct. 5, 2025 has evaporated from our minds. But the lingering memories in Philadelphia always capture a critical scene. On the final drive, as the Broncos marched for a field goal to seal an improbable victory, they were hanging on as Powers’ arm hung motionless from his body.

He tore his left biceps. It was actually more gross.

“Well, it popped off the forearm and rolled up on me,” Powers said Wednesday.

They said Powers was a brute when he signed four years ago. And he is, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 310 pounds. They said Powers was willing to drop the gloves. He provided a reminder at training camp this summer, on occasion taking a swing at defenders after a miscarriage of justice.

They said he would protect the quarterback like his ATM PIN, and he allowed zero sacks across 465 snaps last season.

What they didn’t know — and neither did we — was his staggering pain tolerance. It is a defining characteristic.

When his limb became useless against the Eagles, he refused to exit, blocking with his right shoulder.

“Given the chemistry we have developed, I think it is pretty selfish to just kind of bow out because something is bothering you,” Powers explained. “It was the drive that won the game. I think we can all fairly say, looking back, that it was the turning point of our season. Beating the reigning Super Bowl champs in Philadelphia, down 15, that is where our team grew closer and gained a bunch of confidence.”

Powers is the thunderstorm that you hope doesn’t arrive at your doorstep. And if you think this was a one-off, you don’t know Ben.

After what is believed to be the fastest return on record from a torn biceps, Powers suffered a Lisfranc injury on the last snap of his first game back on Dec. 21 against Jacksonville. He thought he sprained his foot. As the trainer removed the ankle tape, Powers winced.

Getting an MRI was floated. Powers dunked the suggestion.

“I said, ‘I can’t do it.’ I had just missed all those games, and that exam could be a death sentence. It bothered me during the week,” Powers said. “Normally, it swells up like a football. My foot was an anomaly. The doctors could not give me a good answer why. SoĀ I was able to get through it with the adrenaline of the games.”

Powers played well over the remainder of the season. He sacrificed his health and assumed the risk for the greater good.

Why not consider his contract status? Or how putting out poor tape could affect his future with the team?

“Simple,” Powers said, “because we are in this together.”

This answer rattled in my ears as we stood inside the Pat Bowlen Fieldhouse. It made me think of the Denver Nuggets. Peyton Watson, suspicions confirmed by his representatives, staged Operation Shutdown last April, declining to attempt to play in the postseason because of a hamstring injury.

Truth is, some players are agents for change. And some players are pawns for their agents.

Powers could not stomach the idea of missing a snap. That is how he thinks. He is not worried about the next game or the next drive, but the next play.

This type of mentality is threaded throughout the Broncos roster — and why they can win a Super Bowl. Longtime team employees talk about the character of this team like coaches did during the back-to-back Super Bowl titles in 1997 and 1998.

Coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton have been intentional in how they built this locker room. Of course, a baseline of talent is required. But Payton demands players who are smart, love the game and demonstrate “we-over-me” toughness.

Dudes like Powers.

“Thereā€™s a unique part to the offense and defensive lines where they play for each other. It¶¶Ņõap those traits that are hard to measure when youā€™re doing the college evaluation,” Payton said. “And then when you kind of hit on those type, theyā€™re special and Ben would definitely fall into that category.ā€

What makes Powers different is that he doesn’t consider himself unique.

Not in the Broncos locker room. Linebacker Alex Singleton missed 23 days and one game after undergoing surgery for testicular cancer. Safety JL Skinner played last season with a torn labrum. Brandon Jones planned to play in the Super Bowl — “thug it out,” as he put it — with a still-mending pectoral muscle if the Broncos had advanced. Same goes for running back J.K. Dobbins with his aching foot.

“It is not just me,” Powers pointed out multiple times, “it is 100 percent a culture of instilled physical and mental toughness.”

In a time where athletes obsess over their personal brand, social media followers and getting paid, the Broncos take us on a quantum leap back in time.

When the team mattered more than a witty tweet. This is why they can win a title.

Don’t confuse this as advocating playing with a concussion, as a new CTE study raises concerns about long-term risks for NFL players.

But in a sport that must continue to do more to protect brains, brawn still matters.

Powers, whose bicep is healed and foot strong after screws were removed a few months ago, is admittedly “old-school” in his approach and mindset. He punches his time card. Tapes every inch of his arms and hands. And goes to work.

Ask those who know him, and stories of grit began following him in college. Remember the Baker Mayfield flag plant game at Ohio State? Oklahoma’s team doctor ruled Powers out with a high ankle sprain. His replacement suffered a head injury in the first half.

At halftime, Powers said he could go. He helped lead the Sooners to a victory.

Moments like this create a sense of pride for Powers.

As he enters his eighth NFL season, there is one goal left for him to accomplish in Denver, something he refuses to let pain prevent.

“There is a standard that this regime has built over the past four years that you canā€™t let your brother down next to you,” Powers said. “The closer you get to that goal of a Super Bowl, you understand the significance of winning it all. You look back at the AFC Championship Game, and we were one drive away from playing in the Super Bowl. And that sucks. It sucks to think that, and now we have to look in the mirror and see how we can get over the hump. But we are in this together. At the end of the day, all that matters is the team and getting the win.”

The NFLā€™s deadline for trimming rosters from 90 players down to 53 is now just a week away.

By the time Sean Paytonā€™s team finishes its preseason finale against Minnesota on Friday, those decisions will be right in front of the coaching staff and front office.

Denver is widely regarded as having one of the deepest rosters in football. Even though losing players to waiver claims from other teams is relatively rare — there were 29 total waiver claims at the cut down last year and 27 the year before — the Broncos are the kind of team others around the league will be paying extra close attention to.

A year ago, they saw two players claimed — offensive lineman Xavier Truss and cornerback Damari Mathis — and a repeat performance this year would not be surprising.

So, that¶¶Ņõap the cat-and-mouse game for Payton, general manager George Paton and company. It¶¶Ņõap about putting together a high-quality 53-man roster but also about protecting as many players as possible while getting as many as you can through waivers and to the practice squad.

With that, hereā€™s the Denver Post¶¶Ņõap penultimate roster projection. The last will come following Denverā€™s preseason finale.

OFFENSE (24)

QUARTERBACKS (3)

Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham, Sam Ehlinger

Current picture: Nix has been healthy, and Stidham has taken the lionā€™s share of the No. 2 reps in practice and in games. He wasnā€™t sharp in 30 snaps Friday night against the Packers. Can Ehlinger make a last-minute run at the job? And the bigger question for roster purposes is if they keep all three from the outset. The argument against is easy: It¶¶Ņõap a deep roster, and Denver has worthy options at other positions. The argument for, though, is compelling: At the gameā€™s most important position, the Broncos have three players who have started and also been in the system for more than a year. Plus, there is no clear alternative at this point — no young practice squad candidate or somebody whoā€™s been here in the Payton era — meaning if they lose Stidham or Ehlinger and at some point need to play the other, then the backup is someone off the street. Why take that risk with a Super Bowl contender?

Bubble player of interest: The rest of the field at roster cutdown time. Maybe thereā€™s a young player out there the Broncos are hoping gets cut.

RUNNING BACK (3)

J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey, Jonah Coleman

Current picture: The top three are locked in and have the makings of the best Broncos backfield in a while. In this iteration, the Broncos approach veteran Adam Prentice and ask him to start the season on the practice squad. He then gets added to the 53-man roster after three elevations, if not before based on the teamā€™s injury picture. Prentice, though, has been really good since he arrived at the end of camp last year. Itā€™d be a real surprise if he wasnā€™t squarely involved from the outset. This is just a creative way of making it happen.

Bubble players of interest: Badie and McLaughlin. If Denver can get one or both through to the practice squad, theyā€™ve got themselves nice depth. If not, there will be a ton of backs out there to sort through on the waiver wire.

TIGHT END (4)

Adam Trautman, Evan Engram, Nate Adkins and Justin Joly

Current picture: Fairly wide open after the top two. You can put together several iterations, squint and see it being the way the 53-man shakes out to start the year. This quartet gives Denver a little bit of everything: The top two that are sure to make the roster, a player in Adkins who can play F and also fullback in a pinch and the fifth-round pick in Joly. It¶¶Ņõap contingent on Adkins getting healthy. Heā€™s been in and out this summer. Dallen Bentley isnā€™t flashy, but he does the dirty work in-line. It may come down to whoā€™s the player Denver feels best about sneaking through the waiver wire between Adkins, Joly and Bentley. Lucas Krull just keeps hanging around the picture, too.

Bubble player of interest: Caleb Lohner. The second-year man is in a bit of a tricky spot now. Maybe Paytonā€™s spring praise was real enough that he gets back soon and makes the roster from the outset. Otherwise, from a roster perspective, could he be an IR candidate to start the year with a return designation? You only get so many, so theyā€™d have to be counting on him playing at some point.

WIDE RECEIVER (5)

Courtland Sutton, Jaylen Waddle, Pat Bryant, Marvin Mims Jr., Troy Franklin

Current picture: Pretty much setā€¦ unless. Outside of a Devaughn Vele-esque trade from depth, this looks like a darn good quintet for the Broncos. Weā€™ve all become accustomed to Lilā€™Jordan Humphrey starting the year on the practice squad and then playing a lot, but he legitimately deserves a roster spot the way heā€™s played this summer. Will it be there for him? Regardless, the role will be. As is, thereā€™s a world in which Humphreyā€™s elevated from the practice squad early in the year and Franklin is a gameday inactive if everyone is healthy. Enviable depth in this room.

Bubble player of interest: Cam Ross. He got to run with the top group in the first preseason game. Then Friday night vs. Green Bay it was fellow undrafted rookie Dane Key. Kolbe Katsis has come on strong, too. Denverā€™s got options for the practice squad. There are a ton of receivers out there, but the Broncos could lose one of these guys at the roster cutdown.

OFFENSIVE LINE (9)

Garett Bolles, Ben Powers, Luke Wattenberg, Quinn Meinerz, Mike McGlinchey, Alex Palczewski, Frank Crum, Kage Casey, Calvin Throckmorton

Current picture: What has looked like a rock-solid nine for the active roster has its first major question: Is Alex Forsyth going to get enough healthy time to make the roster and, even if he does, has Throckmorton just flat-out outplayed him for the No. 2 center job in camp? For now, weā€™re leaning yes to the second question regardless of the first. Forsyth has capital built up in the building, though. Payton calls him one of the smartest centers heā€™s been around. Throckmorton, though, can also play both guard spots, and that flex is valuable. Could be one of the tougher calls on the roster next week.

Bubble player of interest: Tyler Miller. They arenā€™t exactly household names, but each of the past two years the Broncos have lost a developmental tackle on the waiver wire at the roster cutdown. Last year it was Truss. In 2024, they lost Demontrey Jacobs but had to try to get him to the practice squad because they knew Frank Crum wouldnā€™t make it through if they waived him. Players are scarce at the position, and Denver knows how to develop them. The bet here is theyā€™ll be quite happy to keep Miller if he makes it through.

DEFENSE (26)

DEFENSIVE LINE (7)

Zach Allen, D.J. Jones, Malcolm Roach, Eyioma Uwazurike, Tyler Onyedim, Jordan Jackson, Saiā€™Vion Jones

Current picture: Denver looks well-situated to replace John Franklin-Myers and keep on rolling with Eyioma Uwazurike and Malcolm Roach. Those two plus D.J. Jones make for a top-flight run-defending group, and if Uwazurike rushes the passer as he has so far in the preseason, this group is going to be really dangerous. The question is if they take seven again like last year. And who would they leave off? If youā€™re looking for trade candidates in the next week, Jackson would have the chance to draw something real — like, a Day 3 pick rather than just a pick swap, perhaps — from a team that doesnā€™t have Denverā€™s depth. Heā€™s made the roster cleanly the past two years and is having another good camp.

Bubble player of interest: Saiā€™Vion Jones. If you were going to leave somebody from the above group off the roster, Jackson and Saiā€™Vion Jones are the only two real options. Jacksonā€™s proven he can handle a rotational role, so heā€™s got that going for him on a championship-minded team. Jones is bigger and stronger than a year ago. It¶¶Ņõap not yet clear heā€™s fully ready, but Denver also traded up into the third round to draft him just a year ago. Itā€™d be a surprise to cut bait now, especially when thereā€™s no indication they think heā€™s a lost cause.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER (5)

Nik Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper, Jonah Elliss, Que Robinson, Dondrea Tillman

Current picture: Straightforward. This group has top-flight production and depth. Thereā€™s really no two ways about it. The major question is if Cooper will actually be on the roster Week 1. Weā€™re keeping him on as a placeholder for now, but the reality is thereā€™s a good chance heā€™s not. He could be suspended in the next eight days and, if the league is still reviewing at the roster cutdown. then perhaps the commissionerā€™s exempt list comes into play for the interim. Interestingly, the roster cutdown is Aug. 30, and Cooper is slated to be arraigned on domestic violence-related charges Aug. 31.

Bubble player of interest: Drew Sanders. A healthy training camp for Sanders would have made him a compelling bubble player. Perhaps heā€™s got one more run at it in him over the next week. But after a sack against the Falcons, he didnā€™t practice all week or play against Green Bay. On this roster, it¶¶Ņõap just going to be really hard to keep a guy whoā€™s in and out as much as Sanders has been. Heā€™s a scary one to let walk, though. If he ever stays healthy, heā€™s going to make plays.

INSIDE LINEBACKER (4)

Alex Singleton, Justin Strnad, Red Murdock, Jordan Turner

Current picture: Still up for grabs behind the starters. Murdock is playing his way into a spot, and the Broncos love his smarts. Donā€™t overthink it and risk losing him. What¶¶Ņõap interesting is Turner has only been back a week or so off of NFI, but he jumped right into camp work with the top two units, and he was next up next to Reid in the game Friday vs. Green Bay. Denver liked his scout team and special teams work as a rookie last year. Heā€™s going to be tough to leave off the roster. But Reid has been available and consistent all summer.

Bubble player of interest: Reid and Taurean York. Even after losing Levelle Bailey to injury, Denver has a bunch of interesting options. Not all of them can make the roster. Whichever two or three the team thinks can make it through waivers are the ones theyā€™ll let go. But this group in general is worth trying to retain and develop through the season.

CORNERBACK (5)

Pat Surtain II, Riley Moss, Jaā€™Quan McMillian, Jahdae Barron, Kris Abrams-Draine

Current picture: There may not be a better, deeper group out there. As long as theyā€™re healthy. Riley Moss left the game Friday with an injury to his ribs, though Payton said he was doing ā€œgood.ā€ If he missed any time, that might change the calculus here. Otherwise, the top trio is top-flight, and Barron pairs with Abrams-Draine to provide capable backup and sub play across the board.

Bubble player of interest: Reese Taylor. Heā€™s not a talked-about player, but Taylor was going to make this 53-man projection until the Broncos signed veteran safety Taylor Rapp on Thursday. He still could, depending on how numbers shake out at other positions. Taylor was on the active roster down the stretch last year, is playing on the top line of several Denver special teams units currently and knows the systems for both Vance Joseph and Darren Rizzi.

SAFETY (5)

Talanoa Hufanga, Brandon Jones, Devon Key, JL Skinner, Taylor Rapp

Current picture: Maybe it¶¶Ņõap as simple as starters, special teamers and Rapp. It¶¶Ņõap hard to imagine Rapp would have signed when he did without some indication Denver planned to carry him on the roster to start the season. Heā€™s played in 93 games in his career but tried to battle through a knee injury early last year, didnā€™t play great through six games and then was put on injured reserve. Key and Skinner are high-level special teamers, and the staff says it trusts Key to play defense if needed.

Bubble player of interest: Tycen Anderson. In this situation, it comes down to Anderson vs. Skinner for a special teams-dominant role, and Skinner wins out via training camp performance and also the production in years past here.

SPECIAL TEAMS (3)

Wil Lutz (PK), Jeremy Crawshaw (P), Mitchell Fraboni (LS)Ā 

Current picture: Pretty much set in stone outside of injury.

Bubble player of interest: Luke Basso has been in camp as a long-snapper, but STC Darren Rizzi said part of the reason is just to take reps off Fraboni during camp. Perhaps more interesting: Could Ross or another young player challenge for time as a returner?

Denver waived inside linebacker Levelle Bailey with an injury designation, a source confirmed to The Post, after he sustained a lower leg fracture last week against Atlanta in the Broncosā€™ preseason opener.

To take his place on the 90-man roster, Denver is signing veteran safety Taylor Rapp.

Rapp, 28, has played in 93 games and started 72 over his seven-year NFL career. He played the last three seasons in Buffalo after four years with the Los Angeles Rams.

He worked out for the Broncso earlier this month.

The move to add an experienced player comes as Denver has what looks like a wide-open race for reserve roles at safety behind starters Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones.

The top candidates have been Devon Key, JL Skinner, and rookie Miles Scott. The Broncos also have Tycen Anderson, who is mostly a special teams player.

For Bailey, the coming days are likely to include a couple of procedural moves.

Assuming Bailey clears waivers, he will revert to the Broncosā€™ injured reserve list. From there, he could be waived off IR with an injury settlement. That would be a different direction than the Broncos took with defensive lineman Matt Henningsen and offensive lineman Michael Deiter, who each went directly to injured reserve and are thus out for the season.

If Bailey reaches an injury settlement, that would open the door for him to re-sign with the Broncos or another team sometime later in the season.

Then Zach Allen and John Franklin-Myers showed him the light.

Uwazurike, a 2022 fourth-round pick out of Iowa State, was starting to work his way into the Broncos’ rotation for the first time in his career and the first time since missing all of 2023 due to a gambling-related suspension.

Uwazurike has confidence in his own game. That¶¶Ņõap easier when youā€™re 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds. Heā€™s strong, heā€™s got athleticism. He calls himself a good pass-rusher.

But how do you deploy that?

ā€œIt¶¶Ņõap not just knowing how to do moves against people,ā€ Uwazurike told The Post. ā€œIt¶¶Ņõap knowing, ā€˜OK, this guy likes to set this way. This guy likes to shoot his hands this way. This center leaves this little bit of air here when he does this. Then this is where we need to attack at.ā€™

ā€œEvery week weā€™re switching up moves and going based off what certain teams did. It¶¶Ņõap different than doing one-on-ones in practice. Learning from them and watching them do that last year, that was everything.ā€

Uwazurike saw first-hand what that preparation looked like. He learned what to look for.

ā€œZach, the notes that Zach takes, he knows the opponent¶¶Ņõap middle name,ā€ Uwazurike said. ā€œHe knows everything about them. He dissects everything down on how to pass-rush vs. a certain person, a certain team, how the o-line slides.

ā€œThey definitely school you when it comes to studying. It¶¶Ņõap been good to learn.ā€

This fall, he just might get the chance to put it all to work.

Uwazurike has been one of the breakouts so far in Broncos training camp. Heā€™s been disruptive against the run and the pass. Regardless of who he lines up against.

ā€œThe leap he’s taking right now is pretty scary,ā€ defensive tackle D.J. Jones said recently, calling Uwazurike, ā€œunblockable.ā€

Which raises an interesting situation as the regular season approaches: The Broncos have several high-profile players entering the final year of their contracts this fall. Most of the attention has been on whether players like Riley Moss and Jaā€™Quan McMillian will receive contract extensions this summer. Same for safety Brandon Jones and wide receiver Marvin Mims, Jr.

However high Uwazurike is perceived to be externally on the priority list, it¶¶Ņõap probably not high enough.

The 28-year-old says heā€™s not thinking about whether it¶¶Ņõap a possibility in the coming weeks. Instead, heā€™s focused on what ultimately makes him valuable.

ā€œAll I can do is learn and — I feel like what Iā€™m doing now in camp, learning from the guys in front of me and all that, that¶¶Ņõap what¶¶Ņõap going to help me get to that point,ā€ Uwazurike said. ā€œMoney is made here. Money is made in practice and in the film room. That¶¶Ņõap my main focus. If I do all of that right and play as hard as I can, then whatever comes for me is whatever comes for me.

ā€œThat¶¶Ņõap all I can do. That has to be the mindset.ā€

Uwazurike has seen that approach work for his teammates. Franklin-Myers last year played well for the Broncos and parlayed it into a $21 million per year deal with Tennessee.

The since-departed defensive lineman, though, went out of his way to help Uwazurike.

One misconception about Uwazurike is the notion that heā€™s always been a run defender first. Really, he says, he thinks of himself more as a rusher. Heā€™s learned the art of stopping the run and, in 2025, did so at a high level.

He got those chances, in part, because of Franklin-Myers.

The veteran saw enough from Uwazurike to go to defensive line coach Jamar Cain and tell him that Uwazurike should take some of his early-down work and help keep JFM fresh for pass-rushing situations.

ā€œThereā€™s a difference between people saying ā€˜I know that you can do it,ā€™ and actually doing it and showing it,ā€ Uwazurike said. ā€œThat¶¶Ņõap what it was. The season before that, my first season with JFM, it was constantly ā€˜I know you can do it,ā€™ this and that.

ā€œLast year, it was, let¶¶Ņõap put it on film. Let¶¶Ņõap put it on film, let¶¶Ņõap stop some runs and actually show that you belong.ā€

Franklin-Myers went to defensive line coach Jamar Cain, Uwazurike said, and vouched for Uwazurike to play early downs.

ā€œIt allowed him to have more pass-rush opportunities,ā€ Uwazurike said. ā€œWhen you have that chemistry and stuff opens up like that, it allowed us to be how productive we were last year. More bodies in the game, more air for JFM.ā€

Now with JFM gone, there is playing time up for grabs. Malcolm Roach is undoubtedly going to take some of that. Uwazurike likely will, too. Jordan Jackson and young players like Saiā€™Vion Jones and Tyler Onyedim could also force their way into the mix.

Uwazurike, though, looks primed to play a major role.

ā€œHeā€™s always been a big man. Now heā€™s leaned out, heā€™s moving very well,ā€ defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said recently. ā€œHeā€™s powerful. ā€¦ It¶¶Ņõap been fun to watch him improve.ā€

Sean Paytonā€™s fourth Denver team starts out on its 2026 journey with a preseason opener that kicks off at 5 p.m. in Atlanta.

Last time the Broncos were on the field, they came up four points shy of a trip to the Super Bowl with a 10-7 AFC Championship Game loss to New England at Empower Field in late January.

Jarrett Stidham started for injured Bo Nix, Vance Josephā€™s defense dominated and a second-half snowstorm turned a slugfest into a stalemate.

Nix wonā€™t be back on the field Friday for Denverā€™s preseason debut — heā€™s healthy enough to play, Payton says, and heā€™s been a full participant in training camp, but he wonā€™t play until next week. So, Stidham and Sam Ehlinger will run the Broncosā€™ offense while offensive coordinator Davis Webb calls plays.

Payton said he expects most of his healthy starters to play around 15 snaps against the Falcons, but there are several starters who arenā€™t entirely healthy, especially on offense. It will be a surprise if receivers Jaylen Waddle and Marvin Mims play. Same with center Luke Wattenberg and key offensive line reserves Alex Forsyth and Alex Palczewski. Will J.K. Dobbins, whom Payton said had a soft tissue issue pop up earlier this week, or receiver Courtland Sutton — recipient of several rest days so far in camp ā€” be out there? Stalwarts like corner Pat Surtain II? If so, their appearances will be fairly brief.

Here are six other storylines to watch.

Can Jarrett Stidham or Sam Ehlinger make a move in the QB2 race?

Payton has downplayed the race to be Nixā€™s primary backup, but it¶¶Ņõap been shaping up to be a good one. Outside of a completely outlier performance (to the good or to the bad), it seems unlikely that one half each for Stidham and Ehlinger on Friday will decide the race. Still, this is an important waypoint. Ehlinger looks more comfortable in his second season with the Broncos. Stidhamā€™s been up and down in camp, but heā€™s got equity built up with Nix and with the coaching staff and front office.

ā€œTheyā€™ve been great,ā€ Webb said recently. ā€˜Stiddy,ā€™ heā€™s in Year 4 (in Denver). Heā€™s spot played for us very well. Sam has grown tremendously from last year to this year. Weā€™re really fortunate to have three really good quarterbacks. Not every organization can say that. We can. And we trust all three if they had to play.

ā€œIā€™m really looking forward to those guys in the preseason.ā€

The first question: Whoā€™s No. 2? After that, the conversation turns to whether Denver decides to keep all three on the 53-man roster at the end of the month.

How do Jonah Coleman and the rookies look?

For Denverā€™s rookie draft picks and several undrafted free agents, this will be their first time on a game field in an NFL uniform.

As it happens, several of the Broncosā€™ rookies play positions that are among the toughest to evaluate in training camp.

Fourth-round running back Jonah Coleman has looked comfortable and flashed decisiveness and vision in practice. Still, the Broncos donā€™t tackle to the ground in camp. That makes Friday the best look yet at what Denver may have in the former University of Washington back. There is similar intrigue for third-round defensive lineman Tyler Onyedim, fourth-round offensive lineman Kage Casey, Denverā€™s pair of Day 3 tight end selections and also a pair of undrafted offensive linemen in tackle Tyler Miller and Gavin Ortega. Given the Broncosā€™ run of injuries at center, expect Ortega in particular to get a ton of work. Among Denverā€™s rookie receivers, Cam Ross and Kolbe Katsis have produced most consistently in camp.

Will the camp standouts carry their momentum over to games?

There are a handful of players who have been obvious standouts in training camp so far and theyā€™re at various points of their careers and the depth chart. The short list: Receiver Pat Bryant, cornerback Riley Moss and defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike.

Moss counts squarely among the starters who, assuming he plays, likely will be in just for a couple of series.

Bryant and Uwazurike could get more run than that. Both played roles as key reserves last year and each look primed to take big steps forward this fall. They donā€™t need eye-popping stat lines against the Falcons, but watching each will be interesting nonetheless.

How loud of a preseason can Jahdae Barron have?

Expect Barron to see time in different spots during Denverā€™s three preseason games. The 2025 first-round pick played outside, in the slot and as the starting defenseā€™s dime back so far through training camp. Barring some kind of major injury or change, it appears Barron is tracking toward being a primary reserve to Jaā€™Quan McMillian and on the perimeter, too. Will his workload be tilted one way or the other in preseason games? And can he build a little momentum heading into the regular season despite not knowing exactly how much heā€™ll be on the field?

Does Denver have enough depth at inside linebacker and safety?

The Broncos appear to be at least wondering the same question because they worked out veteran safety Taylor Rapp on Wednesday. The seeming front-runner as the next man in at safety behind Brandon Jones and Talanoa Hufanga is Devon Key. The third inside linebacker is wide open, with Levelle Bailey, Red Murdock, Karene Reid, Taurean York and just-back-from-injury Jordan Turner in the mix. Turner could move up fast if he stays healthy from here, but the rookie Murdock has been playing well in camp lately, too.

Whatā€¦ exactly is the plan at tight end?

Nix talked recently about the team using Evan Engram in a little bit more of an all-around manner during camp rather than the more exclusively big slot-type role he held last year. Barring a surprise release, Engram and Adam Trautman are the starting point for the room.

After that, it gets difficult to tell. Nate Adkins was putting together a solid camp but has missed the past couple days. Lucas Krull has been quietly solid and has made more plays recently. Rookies Justin Joly and Dallen Bentley have been quiet so far but will get a bunch of preseason run. Caleb Lohner drew real praise from Payton this spring but has been out all of camp and was seen recently watching practice with a walking boot on his left foot. Timeā€™s running short for him to get back and make himself a real factor early in the season.

Bottom line: Thereā€™s a lot to sort out and five players for two spots or three at the max behind Engram and Trautman.

The Broncos put out their first unofficial depth chart of the preseason — a requirement because they play a game this week ā€” which always makes for interesting reading.

Payton, though, does not like depth chart day.

For one, not everything on the depth chart is how it will actually play out come Sept. 14 when the Broncos kick off their season against Kansas City. He intentionally puts rookies at the back of the line in the preseason depth chart, even if they might contribute.

Keeler: Has Broncos coach Sean Payton gone soft in his old age?

A couple of interesting notes: Marvin Mims, Jr. gets the first nod on the starting line at wide receiver along with Courtland Sutton and Jaylen Waddle. The second line features camp standout Pat Bryant and Troy Franklin.

On the defensive line, veteran Malcolm Roach is listed as the starter next to Zach Allen and D.J. Jones, while Eyioma Uwazurike is listed with the No. 2s. And at outside linebacker, Jonah Elliss and Dondrea Tillman are the No. 2s with Que Robinson listed behind them.

Jarrett Stidham is listed as the No. 2 quarterback ahead of Sam Ehlinger, though that looks like a good battle brewing as Denver's preseason opener at Atlanta at 5 p.m. Friday draws closer.

Again, all of this is unofficial, meant to not give much real information and isnā€™t really reflective of what the lineups and rotations will look like in full a month from now.

That wonā€™t stop this train.

Offense

QB: Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham, Sam Ehlinger

RB: J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey, Tyler Badie, Jaleel McLaughlin, Cody Schrader, Jonah Coleman

FB: Adam Prentice

WR: Marvin Mims, Jr., Troy Franklin, Michael Bandy

WR: Jaylen Waddle, Lilā€™Jordan Humphrey

WR: Courtland Sutton, Pat Bryant, Hakeem Butler, Dane Key

TE: Evan Engram, Adam Trautman, Nate Adkins, Lucas Krull, Caleb Lohner

LT: Garett Bolles, Matt Peart, Frank Crum

LG: Ben Powers, Calvin Throckmorton

C: Luke Wattenberg, Alex Forsyth, Michael Deiter

RG: Quinn Meinerz, Kage Casey Gavin Ortega

RT: Mike McGlinchey, Alex Palczewski, Reid Holskey

Defense

DE: Zach Allen, Jordan Jackson, Saiā€™Vion Jones

DT: D.J. Jones, Jordan Miller, Kristian Williams

DE: Malcolm Roach, Eyioma Uwazurike, Tyler Onyedim

WLB: Nik Bonitto, Jonah Elliss, Que Robinson

SLB: Jonathon Cooper, Dondrea Tillman, Drew Sanders

ILB: Alex Singleton, Karene Reid, Jordan Turner

ILB: Justin Strnad, Levelle Bailey, Red Murdock, Taurean York

CB: Pat Surtain II, Kris Abrams Draine, Sean Fresch Jr.

CB: Riley Moss, Jahdae Barron, Brent Austin

Nickel: Jaā€™Quan McMillian, Jahdae Barron, Reese Taylor

S: Talanoa Hufanga, JL Skinner, Tycen Anderson

S: Brandon Jones, Devon Key, Miles Scott

Special teams

P: Jeremy Crawshaw

PK: Wil Lutz

LS: Mitch Fraboni, Luke Basso

KR: Marvin Mims, Tyler Badie, RJ Harvey

PR: Marvin Mims, Michael Bandy, Cam Ross

Physically Unable to Perform list — OL Nick Gargiulo (knee).

Injured reserve ā€” DL Matt Henningsen (Achilles)

Did not practice ā€” WR Jaylen Waddle (muscle strain), WR Marvin Mims Jr., C Luke Wattenberg (shoulder), C Alex Forsyth, TE Caleb Lohner (foot/ankle), OLB Dasan McCullough

Left practice ā€” RB J.K. Dobbins (soft tissue), WR Michael Bandy

Consider Sean Payton officially concerned about the Broncosā€™ injury situation.

Denver, through its first 11 days on the field, has only lost one player to what is known to be a serious injury ā€” that was Matt Henningsen, who tore his Achilles on Friday ā€” but several key players have missed time with soft-tissue injuries. Receiver Jaylen Waddle strained a muscle last week and hasnā€™t been back on the field since. Marvin Mims Jr. was in pads Monday after leaving practice Friday. That day, he pulled up while running a deep route and grabbed near his groin on the left side, hobbling off the field.

Then Monday, running back J.K. Dobbins jogged off the field midway through practice with training staff behind. Payton said Dobbins had a ā€œsoft tissueā€ injury.

That continues a trend Payton mentioned off the top Monday.

ā€œWeā€™ve got to get a handle on some of the soft-tissues,ā€ he said. ā€œWeā€™ve had a couple either strains, hamstring or groins. We continue to fight through that.ā€

Payton said he didnā€™t think the uptick was due to the heat, but said, ā€œyou always try to look at your pre-practice routine. Your hydration, obviously. And it¶¶Ņõap incumbent on the player. It¶¶Ņõap hard for anyone to know your soft tissue. Iā€™m always looking at maybe what we did leading up to the period when a guy had a strain.

Dobbins, of course, has not played a full season due to various injuries in his career, but earlier in training camp, he ā€œpinky promisedā€ heā€™d stay healthy this fall, play in all 17 regular-season games,Ā and win the NFLā€™s rushing title.

Payton had the Broncos out for a long practice Monday and finished it not only with some conditioning work ā€” that¶¶Ņõap not uncommon ā€” but also with a ā€œwarm-downā€ period of stretching on the field. That was a first for this training camp for sure and perhaps the first time since Payton became the coach in Denver.

Payton often points out that the Broncos have been among the least-injured teams in the NFL during his tenure here.

ā€œIf we’re second in the NFL with fewest games missed, man, that’s extremely important,ā€ Payton said in January after Denverā€™s season ended. ā€œYou guys saw in 2022 (under coach Nathaniel Hackett) where there’s over 125 player-games missed because of injury and no one played in the preseason. There werenā€™t ever pads on. We’re never doing that.ā€

Denverā€™s regular season doesnā€™t begin for five weeks, but Payton is clearly trying to send a message already.

Elsewhere on the injury front, Mims and center Luke Wattenberg were in pads but didnā€™t do anything after stretching. Theyā€™re each making progress toward full returns, though. ILB Jordan Turner came off the non-football injury list and practiced for the first time.

Bo Nix had a good sequence on a run-heavy day

The Broncos had multiple team periods of all running plays, but quarterback Bo Nix turned in a good sequence later in practice. After starting with an incompletion to Troy Franklin, Nix hit three straight for good gains. First was a quick throw to Pat Bryant for what looked like first-down yardage. Then Nix dropped a perfect back-shoulder throw on Courtland Sutton for about 30. Then he came back to Franklin over the middle for around 20.

Thumbs Up

Center of attention. Veteran Michael Deiter is usually an afterthought in conversations about Denverā€™s offensive line, but he stepped in and did double duty on Monday with both Wattenberg and Forsyth down.

Deiter took most of the top-unit reps at center and worked in with the second group, too. There are only so many 53-man roster spots if the offensive line group is healthy come September, but Wattenberg and Forsyth have both dealt with injuries in recent seasons. If Deiterā€™s a trusted third, heā€™ll probably at least have a standing offer on a practice squad spot.

Kickers are people, too. Wil Lutz had a gripe with reporters and a warranted one Monday. He stepped to the podium after practice and said, ā€œI made a field goal from 73 yards the other day and none of you said a word. But Brandon Jones hits an extra point and my timeline is going off.ā€ Fair point, Wil. It wasnā€™t easy to see the yardages Lutz was kicking off a stick from last week when he hit from 73, but it was clear he had the fansā€™ full attention and they were lavishing cheers on him as he kept moving further and further back. Lutz suggested a kicker appreciation day. Next time he hits from 73, it¶¶Ņõap his.

Thumbs Down

Not a day for the snappers. The Broncos had trouble with the snap on Monday. In more ways than one. First, undrafted rookie Gavin Ortega had trouble with some snaps to Jarrett Stidham. Ortega has been playing center in camp but got bumped up the depth chart Monday with both Wattenberg and Forsyth out. Then later in the session, undrafted rookie long snapper air-mailed holder Jeremy Crawshaw on a field goal attempt. Better a Monday camp practice than a regular-season game, but misfires like those arenā€™t going to help when it comes down to evaluating practice squad spots, position battles and more later in August.

Ball security isā€¦ The Broncos also got a look at some of their down-roster kick and punt returning options on Monday with Mims out and Bandy leaving midway through practice. Return ability is one of the key factors Denver used in identifying some of its undrafted wide receiver targets this spring. While Cam Ross has been consistent catching the ball both on offense and in the return game, Kolbe Katsis has struggled with punts and kicks. On Monday alone, he bobbled two.

Odds and Ends

* The Broncos had one of their longer practices of camp Monday, pushing right to 12:29 p.m. before the double horn blew at the end of the ā€œwarm downā€ stretching that closed the session. Payton missed most of Friday and all of Saturdayā€™s practice, but Denver spent just about the maximum amount of time possible on the field for his return. Payton said the Broncos will have a normal camp practice on Tuesday and then spend most of Wednesdayā€™s practice preparing for their preseason opener on Friday in Atlanta.

* Deiter, an eight-year NFL veteran who has played in 92 career games, not only served as Denverā€™s top center on Monday, but he played well in one-on-ones, too. Twice he was able to anchor against D.J. Jones and hold the rugged nose tackle at bay. Rookie Kage Casey had another good day in one-on-ones, too, and right tackle Mike McGlinchey had a good rep on Jonathon Cooper. Defensively, Zach Allen drew an obvious hold on Ben Powers and Jordan Jackson put a punishing bull-rush on Calvin Throckmorton.

* The Broncosā€™ run-heavy script on Monday meant a ton of work for RJ Harvey and Jonah Coleman. Colemanā€™s been more consistent than Harvey between the tackles, but Nix likes what he sees from Harvey so far this training camp, too.

ā€œHeā€™s done a great job of improving in the little things,ā€ Nix said. ā€œIt¶¶Ņõap easy for a running back, once he gets the football, to go and be a playmaker. I think it¶¶Ņõap underrated what he does out of the backfield, in protection, in multiple different run looks. Weā€™ve asked him to do a lot more this offseason and in this training camp, and heā€™s responded really well. You can tell heā€™s growing and learning more as time goes and it¶¶Ņõap not all new for him.ā€

* Nix had interesting insight into veteran tight end Evan Engram and what might unlock better production this fall. Engram caught 50 balls for 461 yards last year, but everybody involved finished the season feeling like he had something of an underwhelming first season in Denver. So far in training camp, Nix said, Engramā€™s been used somewhat differently to the pass-heavy splits in his playing time last fall.

ā€œHis ability to strengthen the run game is what¶¶Ņõap showing right now,ā€ Nix said. ā€œHeā€™s a willing blocker. Last year we used him a little bit more as a vertical pass threat, but I think him getting in the box and blocking is going to open some more things up. That¶¶Ņõap a game-plan thing, that¶¶Ņõap a coaching thing to put him in that position. But I also think heā€™s willing and able and that¶¶Ņõap part of his game I think heā€™s really going to be able to show off this year and not have to be on and off the field. Heā€™ll just be able to play, he and (Adam Trautman) will be able to roll and just be able to do anything we ask them to do from that position.ā€

Next: 10 a.m. Tuesday. Parking opens at 8 a.m. and gates at 9 a.m.

Sean Paytonā€™s team took the field six straight days —Ā the last without him and several others as they traveled to Ohio for Drew Breesā€™ induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame ā€” and came out the other side with a lot of work banked.

A week from now, Denver will have already played a preseason game at Atlanta.

The roster cutdown is three weeks away.

The Broncos open their season on Monday Night Football at Kansas City in 36 days.

OK, that¶¶Ņõap still a ways out, but the countdown is now on.

Jobs arenā€™t won and lost in the first week-plus of camp, but weā€™ve seen a lot of the Broncos and learned a lot, too.

Here are nine quick thoughts after 10 days on the field.

The Broncos offense is going to feelā€¦ different.

It¶¶Ņõap not yet clear how, but it¶¶Ņõap become increasingly clear that Denverā€™s offense is going to look and feel different with Davis Webb at the controls. Players talk about slightly different formations, slightly adjusted routes, more motion and changed assignments. Webb, Payton and company must decide what they want to hang their hat on in the run game, and that answer hasnā€™t availed itself to onlookers yet. Webb himself talked about offensive identity taking the early part of the season to form. But the notion that this is just going to be Webb calling plays off Paytonā€™s sheet feels off. There might be plenty of Payton stuff to go along with some fresh ideas, but it will be with Webbā€™s spin, tempo and sequencing.

“I feel like Davis is doing a really good job of communicating with me and not over-communicating, but just give me a few things here and there,” quarterback Bo Nix said recently. “Reminders, little things about a play, like, ā€˜Hey, donā€™t forget this. Hey, remember you have this.ā€™ So I think that¶¶Ņõap going to be great as we go with that communication in my ear.

“Heā€™s been waiting for this moment for a long time. Heā€™s been preparing for this, and heā€™s really put us in a good spot.ā€

“He’s got a bunch of wide-open concepts in practice because of shifts and motions,” Joseph said Saturday. “He’s worked very hard from the spring to now to put together and it looks really good. … The shifts and motions and the window dressing pre-snap has been good for all of us to see.”

The Broncos defense is going to look mostly the same

Vance Josephā€™s defense, on the other hand, doesnā€™t have much need for change. Joseph has most of the same players back, and they know what theyā€™re doing. It¶¶Ņõap been PhD ball for a veteran, cohesive group early in camp. If it ainā€™t broke, donā€™t fix it. Joseph will tweak and adjust because you have to in the NFL, but this recipe hits just fine.

“You’re not coming into camp kind of stressed about learning,” veteran linebacker Alex Singleton said. “That’s the hardest thing when you go to a new team or have new guys where you’re teaching guys, ā€˜Hey, this is our check in this situation.ā€™ No, instead it’s, all 11 guys know.

“So, we’re one step ahead of where we would’ve been last year or the year before that at this time of the year.ā€

Ehlinger has a real shot at the No. 2 QB job

Sam Ehlingerā€™s had two days running the No. 2s so far in camp, which may not seem like a lot, but it¶¶Ņõap two more than he got in all of last yearā€™s camp. After the first, Payton said, basically, nothing to see here. It looks like something to see, though. In fact, it feels like Ehlingerā€™s making a real run at the gig. The Broncos like both Ehlinger and Jarrett Stidham and could keep all three on the 53-man roster despite a deep group and a good argument for keeping an extra guy somewhere else. But if Ehlinger plays well in the preseason — remember, he was pretty darn sharp last year ā€” the Broncos will have a decision to make. Plus, if youā€™re toying with the idea of change after one guy has had the job for three seasons, you might just be looking for a reason to change.

Uwazurike might be a real problem for opposing offenses

The biggest loss on Denverā€™s defense was supposed to be John Franklin-Myers. It may still be, but the Broncosā€™ defensive line has been rolling so far in camp. Nobody in that group looks primed for a bigger leap than Eyioma Uwazurike, whom veteran D.J. Jones recently called ā€œunblockableā€ and ā€œscary.ā€ Uwazurike is a force against the run and has budding pass-rush potential.

ā€œIā€™m proud of him because, you guys know this, in our sport, any sport really, to just be out for a year can be difficult,” Payton said of Uwazurike, who was suspended for the entire 2023 season for violating the league’s gambling policy. “Heā€™s really come back, developed. Heā€™s strong, heā€™s big, and heā€™s having a real good start to camp. So I think you have to look at it as one less year than what¶¶Ņõap listed because of the year out.

“Heā€™s doing really well.ā€

Malcolm Roach has seen an uptick in pass-rush reps, too. Can they generate consistent pressure in real games? Time will tell on that, but those two plus rookie Tyler Onyedim and second-year man Saiā€™Vion Jones ā€” he’s stronger this summer but might have already fallen behind the rookie ā€” look poised to fill the substantial gap JFM left.

There are two major questions on defense, even if they donā€™t seem pressing

Funny enough, while the d-line looks capable of covering up for JFM, the two biggest question marks on Josephā€™s defense now are who replaces Dre Greenlaw at ILB and P.J. Locke at safety. You might say, what¶¶Ņõap the big deal? A No. 3 inside ā€™backer and a No. 3 safety canā€™t be that hard to figure out. Greenlaw played 324 snaps, though, and Locke played 173 after Brandon Jones was hurt. Of the Broncosā€™ four starters at linebacker and safety, only Justin Strnad has not dealt with a serious injury in the past two seasons.

Right now, the next man in at each spot looks like Levelle Bailey at ILB and Devon Key at S. Will that be the case come Sept. 14? Key’s in a strong position, but Bailey may have to fend off rookie seventh-rounder Red Murdock, who’s starting to make plays more consistently as camp moves toward its third week.

Bryant is making an early claim as Denverā€™s third wide receiver

Troy Franklin had 104 targets last year. Marvin Mims Jr. is putting together the best training camp of his career so far. But Pat Bryant, the second-year player out of Illinois, looks like the man. He makes plays day in and day out, and heā€™s got a complete skill set. Heā€™s tough in the middle of the field. He can run after the catch. Heā€™s Denverā€™s best blocking receiver, too. That¶¶Ņõap the profile of a guy who is going to play a lot. ā€œItā€™ll be easy creating his role,ā€ Payton said despite talking repeatedly about how stiff the competition is at receiver.

ā€œIt¶¶Ņõap healthy competition is what we like to call it,” Bryant said Friday. “At the end of the day, everybodyā€™s job is on the line, but to come out here and compete, push each other, make sure everybodyā€™s doing their job, helping each other out when it¶¶Ņõap needed. At the end of the day, we all have the same goal: let¶¶Ņõap go out there and win.ā€

Thereā€™s another wrinkle here: Courtland Sutton has no guaranteed money left after 2026. The Broncos will have to pay Jaylen Waddle sometime either next year or not far beyond. Denverā€™s been holding Sutton back this week in camp as part of a ā€œload-managementā€ protocol. Is a dip from 86% playing time next?

Lohner had a golden chance to make a push, but is missing out

Payton spoke glowingly about the second-year tight end who played just a handful of college snaps earlier this spring, but Caleb Lohner has yet to practice due to injury. Heā€™s watched from off the field in recent days with a boot on his left foot. Perhaps heā€™ll be back to turning heads soon, but for now it¶¶Ņõap a missed opportunity because the Denver tight end room looks wide open.

Adam Trautman and Evan Engram have big roles, but there are just not a ton of splash plays and the rest of the room is a bit of a jumble. If Lohner gets back to being a rugged blocker with some athleticism in the passing game, he could still be a 2026 surprise.

Denverā€™s got real depth on the edge ā€“ and is clearly standing behind Cooper

The Broncos sent a clear message at the outset of training camp that theyā€™re standing behind Jonathon Cooper ā€” heā€™s facing a felony assault charge and other lesser charges related to a pair of domestic violence arrests in June ā€” and Payton indicated the club believes there may be a resolution to the proceedings soon. Even if that happens, Cooper will still be subject to a potential NFL suspension. Regardless of his status at the start of the regular season, the Broncos have enviable depth on the edge. Jonah Elliss and Dondrea Tillman are trusted rotation members from a year ago, Que Robinson has played well in camp so far, and Drew Sanders is healthy, as well.

Payton thinks he finally has the Broncos running back room right

Payton and Co. really muddled through the first two years of his tenure here at running back. A 2025 overhaul brought in J.K. Dobbins via free agency and RJ Harvey via the draft, but the group never felt like it quite fit together neatly, and then it fell off a cliff when Dobbins was injured. Now with rookie Jonah Coleman added to Dobbins and Harvey, Paytonā€™s got a trio he loves. ā€œWeā€™re a lot further along in that position group than maybe ā€” well, I know we are (better) than three years ago.ā€

Colemanā€™s made quite an impression in the building already as a rookie. Whether he or Harvey ends up the third down and two-minute back remains to be seen, but Denverā€™s got talent and depth rather than one or the other for the first time in Paytonā€™s tenure.