Ahead of Saturday’s 2 p.m. deadline to establish an initial 53-man roster, here is a final projection of who stays and who goes:

Quarterback (3)

In: , Kevin Hogan and Drew Lock.

Out: Brett Rypien.

Comment: Lock’s right thumb injury meant keeping Hogan as the No. 2 entering the season. The guess here is Lock is placed on injured reserve on Sunday, meaning he can return later this year.

Running back (6)

In: , , , , (FB) and George Aston (FB).

Out: Devontae Jackson, Khalfani Muhammad and .

Comment: One more tailback and fullback apiece than the Broncos would normally keep. Riddick (shoulder) and Janovich (pectoral) are injured reserve candidates on Sunday.

Tight end (4)

In: , Noah Fant, and .

Out: Orson Charles and Moral Stephens.

Comment: Charles could spend 24 hours off the Broncos roster if they wait until Sunday to place Butt on injured reserve. Charles would then take Butt����ap roster spot.

Receiver (5)

In: , , , and Juwann Winfree.

Out: Trinity Benson, Fred Brown, , Steven Dunbar, Brendan Langley and Kelvin McKnight.

Comment: The extra numbers at tailback and fullback prevent the Broncos from keeping a sixth receiver. But that could change by Monday after the injured reserve is filled out.

Offensive line (7)

In: Garett Bolles (LT), Dalton Risner (LG), ( C), (RG), Ja’Wuan James (RT), (OT/G) and (G/C).

Out: Quinn Bailey (OT), Don Barclay (G), Adam Bisnowaty (OT), Jake Brendel (C/G), Ryan Crozier (C ), Chas Green (OT), Sam Jones (G), Tyler Jones (OT), John Leglue (OT) and Jake Rodgers (OT).

Comment: The Broncos would be smart to look at the waiver wire offensive tackles since Wilkinson will need to continue working at right guard as long as Leary’s knee keeps on barking.

Defensive line (5)

In: (DE), (DE), Shelby Harris (NT), Dre’Mont Jones (DE) and DeShawn Williams (NT).

Out: Mike Purcell (NT), Deyon Sizer (DE) and DeMarcus Walker (DE).

Comment: Zach Kerr’s release on Monday creates a roster spot for Williams as the backup nose tackle. The Broncos give up on Walker, a 2017 second-round pick.

Outside linebacker (4)

In: , , Justin Hollins and Malik Reed.

Out: Ahmad Gooden and Dadi Nicolas.

Comment: Hollins and Reed were going to be on the roster even before veteran Dekoda Watson was released on Monday. Nicolas could be a candidate to be signed on Sunday after the injured reserve moves create room.

Inside linebacker (6)

In: Josey Jewell, , Alexander Johnson, Josh Watson, and Joe Jones.

Out: Jamal Carter and Joe Dineen (IR).

Comment: Davis (calf) hasn’t practiced since July 18 and Jones (triceps) hasn’t practiced since the Aug. 1 game against Atlanta. Watson makes it as an undrafted free agent.

Cornerback (5)

In: , Bryce Callahan, Isaac Yiadom, De’Vante Bausby and Trey Johnson.

Out: Rashard Causey and Linden Stephens.

Comment: Pretty clear cut throughout camp and the fact Callahan (foot) went through practice on Monday-Tuesday is a sign he’ll be ready for Week 1 and a fifth corner doesn’t need to be kept.

Safety (5)

In: , , , Alijah Holder, Shamarko Thomas and Trey Marshall.

Out: Su’a Cravens and Dymonte Thomas (IR).

Comment: We throw a curveball by adding Holder to the roster because he worked some at safety in the San Francisco preseason game and provides a better special teams presence than Cravens.

Specialists (3)

In: (K), Colby Wadman (P) and (LS).

Out: None.

Comment: McManus, Wadman and Kreiter had no competition on the roster once the preseason games started.

Just how many jobs are on the line when Denver hosts Arizona on Thursday night in its preseason finale?

“I think there’s still a good bit, myself,” coach said. “Definitely in the double digits, for sure.”

RELATED: Broncos podcast: The biggest question marks entering preseason finale

Here is a closer look at 10 Broncos seemingly on that roster bubble who can make-or-break their opportunity based on their play against the Cardinals.

1. , ILB

The 2018 sixth-round NFL draft pick was relegated to mostly special teams as a rookie, but he broke into the rotation at inside linebacker in training camp with injuries to , Josey Jewell and Joe Jones. If Jones (triceps) starts the year on injured reserve, it bolsters Bierria’s chances to secure the projected fourth inside linebacker slot behind Davis, Jewell and Alexander Johnson. But few positions on the roster feature such intense competition for one spot.

“You try not to feel the pressure,” Bierria said. “But at the same time, you want to go out there and make some plays and make people notice you.”

2. Jamal Carter, LB

A change from safety to linebacker midway through training camp gave Carter new life and it seems his 6-foot-1, 215-pound frame fits the role. A strong performance against the Cardinals will make it difficult for Fangio to let go of a physical linebacker with the skill-set to potentially defend pass-catching tight ends. Carter’s background in the secondary means he could be shifted back to safety in a pinch and that roster flexibility is valued.

3. , WR

No player on the roster has more NFL experience catching punts as Cracraft, but that����ap no guarantee he gets the job. He totaled five returns for 22 yards through four preseason games. Cracraft projects no higher than the Broncos’ fifth wide receiver in contention with Juwann Winfree. Without solidified punt return duties, it����ap difficult to see how Cracraft supplants the sixth-round rookie. Cracraft likely needs several impressive returns Thursday to avoid a practice squad assignment.

“(Cracraft) could be our punt returner,” Fangio said. “He fulfills a good role as a backup wideout in that he can play all the positions both mentally and physically, so he has given himself some versatility and some value.”

4. Su’a Cravens, S

Early playing time and practice snaps projected Cravens as a near-lock to back up at strong safety. But recent activity on Cravens’ Twitter account () — deleting all previous tweets and any affiliation with the Broncos while posting a peace sign emoji — suggests his status with the team has changed.  Cravens was inconsistent against the Rams last week and allowed a 51-yard completion in coverage with cornerback De’Vante Bausby on the second play from scrimmage. Cravens also has little special teams experience.

5. Kevin Hogan, QB

Hogan likely wouldn’t have had a shot at the 53-man roster had second-round rookie Drew Lock not suffered a sprained right thumb in the preseason. But injury bred opportunity, and if Hogan plays moderately well Thursday, he’ll likely secure his place as ’s backup until Lock returns to health and earns the full trust of the coaching staff. Watch Hogan struggle, though, and Denver might be incentivized to move on earlier.

“We’re going to see some familiar faces running that defense over there (against Arizona), so it should be fun,” Hogan said. “I’m just going to go out and play the best that I can.”

6. Trey Marshall, S

No Cravens on the 53-man roster would be good news for Marshall. The second-year safety was cut as a rookie, brought back to the practice squad, placed on the active roster in December and played in two games. Marshall has been impressive this preseason with eight tackles and one pass breakup while playing a physical brand of ball.

7. Mike Purcell, DT

It����ap more than just a feel-good homegrown story. Purcell, a Highlands Ranch native, spent his rookie season under Fangio with the 49ers in 2014 and scheme familiarity has served Purcell nicely in a Denver reunion. The seventh-year NFL journeyman also benefits from the surprise release of defensive tackle Zach Kerr; opening the door to back up starter Shelby Harris. Purcell needs another solid preseason performance to improve his candidacy and avoid the practice squad.

“I don’t spend too much time thinking about (making the active roster),” Purcell said. “I go out there, perform and whatever (happens) can fall in place.”

8. Brett Rypien, QB

It seemed Rypien was always destined for the practice squad as offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello’s long-term project. But Lock’s injury and Hogan’s lackluster play has opened a one-game window for Rypien to prove why he should be the backup. His best shot is stretching the field vertically — Rypien’s calling card while at Boise State. His longest completion this preseason was 15 yards against Atlanta.

9. Josh Watson, ILB

The third inside linebacker on our list is the heaviest hitter of the group. But Watson needs to showcase more than strength against Arizona for a spot on the active roster. With Alexander Johnson receiving the majority first-team defense snaps in preseason games, Watson is more likely a core special teams performer who could fill a role similar to linebacker Joe Jones.

“It����ap being able to play consistent,” Watson said, “and doing the little things right on and off the field while building trust with players and coaches.”

10. DeShawn Williams, DT

Williams, entering his fifth NFL season, has traveled from practice squads in Cincinnati, Denver, Miami and Indianapolis before returning to the Broncos this training camp. The former Clemson defensive tackle has flashed the power inside to be disruptive, but one more solid preseason game is needed should he leapfrog Purcell for Denver’s likely fifth and final defensive line slot.

The status of inside linebacker (calf) for Week 1 is uncertain because he hasn’t practiced since July 18 (the first day of training camp) and coach said Davis “is a little bit behind where we had hoped.” Enter Johnson, who started against Atlanta and San Francisco. His 11 tackles are second on the team and if the coaches feel he plays well against the Rams, he could get the base-down start at Oakland. “Some good, some not so good (against the 49ers),” Fangio said of Johnson. “I was hoping for more. He’s got to keep ascending and not flatten out. I thought he had a good camp early on. He’s got to step it up here.”

2. Brett Rypien

A spectator against Seattle and San Francisco — the feeling being the Broncos were keeping him under wraps so he can clear waivers on his way to the practice squad — Rypien will play after Kevin Hogan against the Rams. Does this mean he has a chance to be ’s backup while Drew Lock (sprained right thumb) is out? Maybe. His performance against the Rams could allow him to beat out Hogan. Rypien was 5-of-10 passing for 41 yards and the game-winning touchdown pass against Atlanta on Aug. 1.

3. Jamal Carter

A safety by trade, Carter was moved to inside linebacker on Aug. 11. Fangio said after the 49ers’ joint practices that the experiment was working well enough to keep Carter at linebacker but then he played only 10 snaps in the game. Does Carter have a chance to make the team as a versatile defender/special teams player? The numbers may not work out unless the Broncos think he can play strong safety in a pinch. “He’s a work in progress (at linebacker),” Fangio said. “He probably did about the way (on Monday) I expected him to. It����ap a new world in there. Instead of going back 10 yards, now you’re at four yards and those linemen can be in your lap pretty quickly.”

4. Su’a Cravens

If the Broncos believed Cravens had the ability to be efficient as a fill-in safety, sub-package linebacker and special teams core player, he would be on the team, taking advantage of a fresh start after his 2018 went backward from the hop. But Fangio said early in camp that Cravens is strictly a safety. He played only 10 special teams snaps in two games and missed three practices and the San Francisco game because of an illness. Cravens may make the team by semi-default.

5. All returners

Our prediction is the Broncos’ Week 1 punt returner isn’t on the roster yet. , Kelvin McKnight, , Brendan Langley and Devontae Jackson have caught punts in the first three preseason games and have combined for more fumbles (two) than returns of more than seven yards (one). Cracraft got the first two chances against San Francisco. On kickoff returns, Jackson has four returns, but it is unlikely there is room for a fifth tailback on the 53-man roster since (shoulder) is already hurt.

Did not practice: ILB Todd Davis (calf), S Kareem Jackson (hamstring), CB Horace Richardson (hamstring), ILB Joe Jones (triceps), RB Theo Riddick (shoulder) and FB Andy Janovich (pectoral).

TE Jake Butt (knee) and ILB Josey Jewell (oblique) participated in 7-on-7 drills, but not 11-on-11. Coach Vic Fangio replied “maybe,” when asked if Butt is trending toward full-team work later this week.

Top play

Albeit against the third-team defense, QB received good protection and threw a long pass down the sideline that was caught by WR Emmanuel Sanders. Rookie CB Alijah Holder was in coverage.

Thumbs up

WR Emmanuel Sanders. Caught three passes during team work and Fangio said post-practice that Sanders will play in the preseason. “If you guys remember, I kind of predicted it in the spring — my medical background gives me those prediction powers,” Fangio half-joked. “I thought he would make it back quicker than most and he has. And he looks fine. I’ve asked guys who have been here in the past to compare him (now) to what he’s been in the past because I don’t have a past with him and they don’t see any difference right now.” Sanders remains on a snap count.

QB Drew Lock. Working with the second-team offensive line for the second consecutive practice, his first completion was well-done — rolling to his right, he hit WR River Cracraft in stride on a crossing route.

Thumbs down

QB Kevin Hogan’s reps. He had only seven snaps in 11-on-11 work out of a possible 79.

Pre-snap penalties. In starters vs. starters toward the end of practice, consecutive penalties (one apiece on offense and defense) forced Fangio to say, “start it over.”

Odds and ends

• Quarterback snaps (11-on-11): Joe Flacco 34, Kevin Hogan seven, Drew Lock 22 and Brett Rypien 16.
• Although still in full pads, Monday’s practice had a regular season feel because of the amount of scout-team work. “This has been a good week because we have the big space in between games,” Fangio said. “We’ve had half normal training camp sessions and half carded (scout-team) sessions to get things for the regular season that we need to see on both sides of the ball.”
• The run game was emphasized early in 11-on-11 work. Ten of the first 13 plays were rushes.
• New ILB Jamal Carter (formerly a safety) worked in the nickel package alongside rookie Josh Watson. Rookies Justin Hollins and Ahmad Gooden were the outside linebackers.
• TE Bug Howard appeared to sustain an injury during an individual drill, but he returned for team work. Howard came back to practice Sunday after missing time with an ankle injury.
• In 7-on-7, the Broncos ran a nice “rub” (or pick), allowing RB Devontae Jackson to get open on a wheel route when ILB Josey Jewell was caught up in traffic.
• Hogan started the second period of 11-on-11 with the third-team offense against the first-team defense. He completed passes to WRs Kelvin McKnight and Fred Brown and had a pass broken up by CB Isaac Yiadom.
• The third period of 11-on-11 started with four consecutive completions by Lock. Flacco’s five plays: Incompletion, RB Devontae Booker drop, pass to WR Tim Patrick, offensive pass interference and incompletion.
• In a red zone period, Flacco connected with Patrick for a touchdown, RB Phillip Lindsay ran for a score and Rypien threw for a TD.
• Catching kickoffs from a machine: Booker, McKnight, Jackson, WR Brendan Langley, WR River Cracraft and RB Khalfani Muhammad. There were no drops.
• Flacco’s second-to-last 11-on-11 period included completions to Patrick, Sanders, Muhammad (after a low snap) and TE Jeff Heuerman. Flacco threw behind and incomplete to WR Courtland Sutton on a quick slant.
• RT Ja’Wuan James got tangled up and tumbled to the turf on the third-to-last play of practice. was ready to come in, but James stayed on the field.
• Fangio on tight end : “He’s had some days where he’s up and down health-wise, but I think he’s ready to push forward and push through all the little stuff and become an NFL tight end.” Asked if Fumagalli is improving because of the extra reps, Fangio said: “Everybody benefits from extra reps. It����ap the only way you can get better.”
• San Francisco arrives for practices with/against the Broncos on Friday-Saturday. Fangio said he hadn’t yet talked to 49ers coach , but did send him a practice outline.

Tuesday’s schedule

Practice 9:15 a.m.-noon (open to public).

In , Broncos beat writers Ryan O’Halloran and Kyle Fredrickson examine which players figure to rise on the depth chart while teammates recover from injuries. Topics include Jamal Carter’s switch to inside linebacker, impressions of undrafted rookie fullback George Aston and more.

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Carter (6-foot-1, 215 pounds) participated at inside linebacker, equal parts because of injuries to , Josey Jewell and Joe Jones and to see if Carter is physical enough to help.

“Right now, it����ap temporary, but if he looks good in there, it will be permanent,” coach said. “Our numbers have gotten low there, and he’s always wanted to play in there. The timing was good.”

Carter said the coaches told him about the plan over the weekend and his response was “Let����ap go.”

“I’ve been wanting to play this (since) high school and college,” he said. “I like being in the trenches. I’m a physical specimen, so I don’t like being too far away from contact. It����ap going to fit me.”

Carter played all 16 games for the Broncos in 2017 (eight tackles) and missed last year following a preseason hamstring injury.

If Carter shows up well at inside linebacker, he could carve out a niche that wouldn’t exist if he was just a safety.

“It����ap a great opportunity,” he said. “I feel like I’m going to be Mark Barron 2.0.”

A first-round pick by Tampa Bay in 2012, Barron played safety before he was traded to the Rams, who converted him to linebacker. He signed a two-year contract with Pittsburgh this offseason.

Injury list. Here is an updated list of the Broncos’ many injuries:

New injuries: Cornerback Horace Richardson (hamstring), safety (hamstring), fullback (pectoral) and running back (shoulder). Janovich and Riddick are out 6-8 weeks, which stretches into the regular season.

Remain out: Jones (triceps), Davis (calf) and Jewell (oblique).

Of Davis (out since the first practice), Fangio said, “I think we’ll start seeing him out here fairly soon, but it will be a slow process.”

Jewell was in full pads and did side-field conditioning and said he “felt pretty good.”

Returned (limited or full participants): Outside linebacker Aaron Wallace (hamstring), cornerback Bryce Callahan (foot) and tight ends (ACL), (shoulder) and Bug Howard (ankle).

Butt was in pads for the first time since July 20 and said, “It����ap obviously better to be on the field than in the training room.”

Fallen soldier’s family visits. The Broncos hosted the family of Army Sgt. Maj. Ryan Sartor, 40, who was killed last month by enemy fire during a combat operation in Afghanistan.

Sartor, a native of Texas, was last assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group in Fort Carson. He experienced several deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan after joining the Army in 2001.

Sartor’s wife and children along with other relatives attended practice and spent time afterward with Fangio and several players, including most of the offensive line group, defensive end , quarterbacks and Drew Lock and outside linebackers and .

Penalty issues. The Broncos were called for 11 enforced penalties against Seattle.

After watching the video, Fangio was asked if the issues were bad technique, poor play or letter-of-the-rulebook officiating.

“I think it was all of the above,” he said. “I’ve seen a few of these other games on reruns. There are flags all over the place. I do think the players need to play better from a technique standpoint, and they are being extra judicious in their officiating.”

During the first full week of preseason games, 15 teams had double-digit enforced penalties, including 18 by San Francisco to lead the NFL.

Holland waived. Broncos outside linebacker Jeff Holland’s tumble down the depth chart was completed Sunday when he was waived.

The Broncos traded for Dekoda Watson, drafted Justin Hollins and signed rookie free agent Malik Reed, and all outperformed Holland in training camp.

Signed to take Holland’s roster spot was cornerback Rashard Causey, a rookie from Central Florida who played for Atlanta against the Broncos in the Aug. 1 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game.

Fangio likes schedule. Count Fangio in the camp of wanting to stick with four preseason and 16 regular-season games.

“If you’re into developing players, preseason games are important,” he said.

As for the regular season remaining the same, Fangio said: “I don’t think the schedule should move anywhere. I don’t think (18 games) will happen, but what do I know? I don’t think it would be a wise move.”

Fangio does consider joint practices a wise move for both teams. San Francisco visits the Broncos for workouts on Friday and Saturday before next Monday’s game.

“It����ap just great to go against somebody else, offensive linemen having to block different pass rushers and run-block different defensive linemen, cornerbacks covering different receivers, receivers going against different corners, (facing) different schemes,” Fangio said. “I would do two of them in camp if I could.”

Footnotes. A rare trick play was run during the second play of 11-on-11. Receiver Emmanuel Sanders received Flacco’s handoff and rolled right before throwing downfield. But safety broke up the pass before it could be caught by receiver . … Callahan and cornerbacks De’Vante Bausby, Linden Stephens and Alijah Holder had interceptions during practice.

Did not practice: LB Todd Davis (calf, fourth consecutive missed practice), WR River Cracraft (oblique, third consecutive), TE Jake Butt (knee, second missed practice), RG (day off) and WR Juwann Winfree (calf).

Coach Vic Fangio, on Butt: “I don’t think it����ap a major concern. Kind of to be expected. It just didn’t feel right for him so we figured back up (Tuesday’s) day off with a day off (Monday) and see how he is on Wednesday.”

Fangio said the Broncos thought it would be “prudent” to give Leary (coming off an Achilles injury) the day off since this is the only time the team will practice five consecutive days.

Fangio said Winfree “got hit (Sunday) and his leg wasn’t feeling right.”

New injuries

S Justin Simmons got the wind knocked out of him when he collided with WR Courtland Sutton, but he returned.

LB Joe Jones was limping and said he got stepped on, but he also returned.

OL Chaz Green got overheated and walked gingerly toward the locker room before getting a cart ride.

Top play

Rookie WR Trinity Benson collected a long pass from QB Brett Rypien for a touchdown.

Thumbs-up

RB Phillip Lindsay. In his first activity since wrist surgery, Lindsay has participated in all five practices, a good sign.

Batted-down passes. No cut-blocking in practice keeps the outside linebackers and defensive linemen on their feet, and they’re taking advantage.

Thumbs-down

Dropped passes: Too many of them. Period. “Just keep catching balls off the quarterbacks and the machine and stay focused and not worried about getting hit. Not yet (concerned),” Fangio said.

The offense. Underwhelming, to put it mildly. Fangio said there is no panic yet, but… “Talk to me in a couple weeks,” he said.

Odds and ends

• The Broncos ran 82 snaps of 11-on-11.
• RB Phillip Lindsay has a brace on his wrist but has not been limited at all. “It was seven months before I really got to touch a football and touch the field. There’s no better feeling than being out here sore, grinding, sweating, looking to the men to the left and right of you and understanding that you guys are doing this together.”
• Asked about adjusting back to football action, Lindsay said: “(With) some parts, I’ve got to go back and just calm down and relax. I feel like sometimes I rush things. I think that’s just because you get back and you get excited.”
• Story Time With Uncle Vic (Practice 5 edition): Fangio was asked about building a culture. “Culture to me is getting a lot of good players in here, getting a good bunch of coaches, doing a good job coaching, then you win games and everybody is happy and all of a sudden, you have a good culture. We’re going to work hard and play smart and try to be on top of things mentally.”
• Asked about the length of practice, Fangio made a point about how the reps are evened out through the roster. “I just think guys have to practice,” he said. “The only way you get better is to practice and get more reps. The one to keep in mind, too, is there are 90 guys out there. There is nobody getting maybe (more than) a third of the reps so individually, (practice isn’t) that long. But that����ap how long a game is. If we were to throw a halftime break in there, we would probably be right about three hours.”
• Quarterback playing time (11-on-11): 32 snaps, Kevin Hogan 21, Drew Lock 21 and Brett Rypien four. Playing time for 7-on-7: Flacco 12 and Hogan/Lock/Rypien six apiece.
• Don Barclay took Ron Leary’s first-team snaps at right guard.
• Flacco’s first pass of 11-on-11 has turned into one of his most comfortable throws — the shallow cross. Flacco hit WR DaeSean Hamilton accurately (in stride), allowing him to turn upfield.
• S Sharmako Thomas and ILB Joe Jones had pass break-ups in the first 11-on-11 period.
• Highlights from 7-on-7 (all sessions): Flacco’s first pass was intercepted by S Kareem Jackson. Flacco later hit Hamilton on a deep route (one-handed catch). Rypien was intercepted by S Jamal Carter. WR Tim Patrick and TE Austin Fort had drops.
• Second 11-on-11 period: ILB Josh Watson was shaken up when he blitzed and collided with OLB Bradley Chubb in the backfield. Flacco ended his segment with a completion to WR Courtland Sutton. OLB Dekoda Watson stayed home on the edge, was unblocked and batted down a Hogan pass. TE Austin Fort dropped Lock’s first pass. DE Adam Gotsis batted down a Flacco pass. WR Fred Brown dropped a pass from Lock. On Lock’s final play, Fangio blew the whistle when Lock scrambled right but dropped the football.
• Third 11-on-11 period: NT Shelby Harris batted down a Flacco pass. TE Noah Fant had a false start to begin Hogan’s section but then caught a pass.
• Fourth 11-on-11 period: Flacco completed all three of his attempts, but went 2 of 5 in his final drive.
• Offensive line vs. pass rushers: The defense had a streak of three consecutive wins (OLB Jeff Holland, DL Zach Kerr and DL Mike Purcell). The offense later won three straight (Jake Brendel, Ryan Crozier and John Leglue). During a drill of two-man rushes, the offense struggled with picking up the stunts. The defense won four matchups in that fashion.

Tuesday’s schedule

No practice. The next practice is Wednesday at 2 p.m. (open to fans).

His teammate, safety , was concerned.

“When a guy like that is quiet, when he doesn’t come in smiling, you always think something’s wrong,” Parks said last week after the Broncos’ opening practice. “But he was excited to get out here. He was kind of a little bit calm and collected and cool, just to go out there on the field.”

Nearly a year removed from a season-ending hamstring injury suffered in the second quarter of the Broncos’ 2018 preseason opener, Carter is healthy and looking to compete for a roster spot.

A new coaching staff and deeper secondary add an extra challenge in Carter’s road back. Still, at the start of training camp, the 25-year-old’s confidence was higher than ever.

“Right now, I’m smarter,” he said. “I’m more comfortable, wiser. I know the formations. So, I can play way faster. Then, I’m in a whole different defensive scheme that lets you play fast and lets you make plays.”

The 6-foot-1, 215-pound safety was a surprise addition to the Broncos’ 53-man roster in 2017 after signing as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Miami. He saw the field in all 16 games as Justin Simmons’ backup with eight tackles and three special-teams stops.

But his second year in Denver ended almost before it even began, with his torn hamstring requiring surgery and extensive rehab time. He spent 2018 on injured reserve, watching from the sideline as his teammates struggled to a 6-10 season.

This offseason, Carter is battling safeties Su’a Cravens, Dymonte Thomas, Shamarko Thomas and Trey Marshall for a roster spot. There may be only room on the Week 1 roster for two of those players.

, entering his fourth year with the Broncos, has been like an older brother to Carter, offering words of encouragement when needed last season. Even in a crowded rotation of defensive backs, he believes Carter brings a unique skillset to the table.

“This defensive backfield is stacked; it����ap packed,” Parks said. “Everybody back there has something good that they can do, if not a lot of things that they can do. And Jamal Carter, he’s a bruiser. He can go and he can fill the holes. He can get in the backfield. He can blitz. … The coaches, they’ll figure out a way to get him on the field, if need be.”

While grasping a new defensive scheme can be a challenge, Carter has already seen the benefits of learning under new coach and defensive coordinator Ed Donatell.

Carter described Donatell — the defensive backs coach in Chicago last season — as a patient teacher who rarely yells and takes his time to break down defensive strategies.

“He’s good with the defensive scheme,” Carter said. “He’s good at picking out what the offense is gonna do before they do it. He helps me a lot with that. That����ap why I said I’m wiser, and I know I’ll be able to make a lot more plays.”

Carter said every older defensive back on the team has helped bring him along, but he specifically mentioned Simmons, safety Kareem Jackson, cornerback Chris Harris and, of course, Parks.

Those veterans offered praise for Carter, too.

“I think we’ve got a bunch of guys that can do a bunch of different things for us. You know, Jamal being one of them,” Simmons said. “(He’s) an aggressive player, obviously can play multiple positions on the field, is an absolute dog on special teams, and so, he brings a whole new dynamic to what we do defensively.”

When asked what his next steps are in order to crack the Broncos’ 53-man roster, Carter’s answer was simple: He’d rather show how far he’s come since his injury than talk about it.

“I just need to do me,” Carter said. “Do what I do, play ball. And I’ll let my play do the rest.”

Did not practice: TE Bug Howard (illness) and P Colby Wadman (personal reason). Coach said Howard became ill on Wednesday and it was likely food poisoning.

Returned to practice: TE Jake Butt (ACL) did 7-on-7 work, WR Emmanuel Sanders (Achilles) was limited to individual drills and RB Phillip Lindsay (wrist) participated in all parts of practice.

NEW INJURIES

LB Todd Davis (calf) was headed for a post-practice MRI, according to a source. Davis walked gingerly from the sideline to a golf cart for a ride back to the locker room. On Thursday night, a league source said Davis sustained a calf strain that could keep him out 3-4 weeks. With a full recovery, Davis could still be available for the Week 1 opener at Oakland. For the time being, though, Joe Jones and Kieshawn Bierra will see first-team snaps.

TOP PLAY
During QB ’s second segment of 11-on-11 play, rookie WR Juwann Winfree made a fine diving catch on a pass to the left side.

THUMBS UP
*CB De’Vante Bausby. Intercepted a pass thrown by QB Kevin Hogan and tipped by LB Alexander Johnson. “I had the ‘squat’ (zone coverage) so I gave my guy a shove and then (safety) Su’a Cravens took his vertical route,” Bausby said. “There was nobody in my vicinity so when (Hogan) checked down to the running back, (Johnson) tipped it — I was in the right place at the right time.”

*RB Phillip Lindsay. So much for being eased into practice. Lindsay took the first hand-off of 11-on-11 and did not appear to be limited. “He had his legs (during recovery from wrist surgery) so I shouldn’t be surprised,” Fangio said. “But he was chomping on the bit to get out there.”

*The weather. If the scorching temperatures continued to be on the forecast, they didn’t arrive during the Broncos’ practice. “The heat wasn’t bad,” Fangio said. “You have to remember, I spent nine years in New Orleans, some in South Carolina (where the Panthers trained) and Houston. They would pray for a day like this.”

THUMBS DOWN

*WR Courtland Sutton. A few drops during individual drills. “I kind of ride him and tease him a little bit so I’ll take advantage of that,” Fangio said when asked about Sutton’s day.

*QB Joe Flacco. Criticizing the starting quarterback on Practice 1 of camp? There were a few overthrows on routes over the middle.

*Broncos’ 2016-18 product. A crowd that can be politely described as “thin” showed up for the first day of camp. The fanbase’s way of saying, “Show us.” The announced attendance was 1,257.

ODDS AND ENDS

• Quarterback playing time (11-on-11): Joe Flacco 22 snaps, Kevin Hogan 22 snaps, Drew Lock 17 and Brett Rypien four.
• Quarterback playing time (7-on-7): Flacco seven, Hogan six, Luck six and Rypien two.
• Teams can’t put on pads during camp until after three practices, which means Sunday is the first available workout. As for Thursday, coach Vic Fangio said: “I thought it went good. That practice was basically very similar to what we were doing in OTAs structure-wise — it was maybe 10 minutes longer than that. (Friday’s) will be similar and we’ll eventually build up to where it will be longer and get more plays in as we go.”
• WR Emmanuel Sanders started camp on the active roster (and not PUP), which allowed him to lead the receivers in individual drills. “It����ap a testament to all of the hard work I’ve put in, all the pain I’ve gone through that I’m here standing and saying, ‘I feel really good,’” Sanders said.
• TE Jake Butt estimated he played “5-6 snaps” of 7-on-7 in his first non-individual work since tearing his ACL last year. “I have to shake off some rust,” he said. “It����ap been awhile. It feels like I’ve been fighting an uphill battle overcoming this third (ACL). It����ap going to take some time and that being said, it����ap still really early. But I’m a competitive guy and hold myself to a higher standard. Dropped a ball — no excuse.”
• The first unit offensive line: LT Garett Bolles, LG Dalton Risner, C Connor McGovern, RG Ron Leary and RT Ja’Wuan James. Don Barclay subbed for Leary on some 11-on-11 snaps.
• The second unit offensive line: LT Elijah Wilkinson, LG Sam Jones, C Jake Brendel, RG Barclay and RT Jake Rodgers.
• A new scoreboard with time, score, down-and-distance, etc., was installed at the top of the berm opposite the Broncos’ facility.
• Flacco’s first drop-back didn’t happen. On his third play of 11-on-11, Flacco mishandled what appeared to be a fine shotgun snap from McGovern.
• TE Noah Fant����ap first intended target (from Hogan) was broken up by S Will Parks.
• On Flacco’s second segment, Sutton had a completion broken up by CB Chris Harris, but Sutton caught an out route on the next play.
• A nice play from Lock late in practice. After the snap, he rolled to his right and adjusted his throwing motion (3/4th delivery) to flip a pass to WR Fred Brown.
• The first unit kickoff coverage: CB Isaac Yiadom, RB Devontae Booker, LB Dekoda Watson, S Jamal Carter, S Shamarko Thomas, WR Tim Patrick, LB Joe Jones, LB Kieshawn Bierria, FB Andy Janovich, Parks and K Brandon McManus.
• Lock’s final 11-on-11 segment was with the second-team offensive line. He threw incomplete and handed off to RB Khalfani Muhammad.
• The Broncos made three roster moves on Thursday. Before practice, they signed receiver Steven Dunbar, who appeared in one game for San Francisco last year. After practice, they waived offensive lineman Nathan Jacobson and signed running back David Williams. A seventh-round pick by the Broncos last year, Williams started 2018 on the practice squad before signing with Jacksonville’s active roster and playing in six games (eight rushing attempts).
• Before practice, the Broncos announced that three coaches will join the team during camp as part of the Bill Walsh NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship. Jason Belser played in the NFL for 11 years and is a coaching consultant at Independence High in South Riding, Va. Lamar Owens is entering his first year as the assistant receivers coach at Georgia Southern. And Will Tukuafu played 50 NFL games for San Francisco (2011-13) and Seattle (2014-16).

FRIDAY’S SCHEDULE
9:15 a.m.-noon practice (open to the public).

When the revamping of the Broncos’ secondary started in mid-March with the signing of and Bryce Callahan, the rest of the defense took note.

“When we signed those guys, I was happy,” outside linebacker said. “It����ap definitely going to be special. If they can make the quarterback hold it a little bit longer so we can get there, it����ap going to be fun.”

Not fun was watching the Broncos’ secondary defend the pass last year. They fell from fourth in yards allowed per game (200.6) to 20th (245.6) and allowed 56 completions of at least 20 yards compared to 47 in 2017.

Change was needed. First-year coach brought veteran secondary coach Ed Donatell with him from Chicago and named him defensive coordinator. Jackson and Callahan were later joined by cornerback De’Vante Bausby. And cornerback ’ contract dispute was semi-settled (raise this year, free agent next March).

Point: Jackson’s starting position (safety or corner) will be a week-to-week deal.

Counterpoint: The more safety he plays, the better off the Broncos will be.

Jackson played exclusively at safety in base packages during the offseason practices that were open to the media. His instincts and physical play will allow the Broncos to play him in a strong safety-type role and keep in the deep middle part of the field.

Jackson was moved to safety by the last year before injuries forced him back to corner. He tied a career high with 17 pass break-ups. But safety is his best spot. In sub-package situations, expect Jackson to play cornerback with Harris and Callahan.

Point: Callahan’s arrival will allow Harris to play outside on third down.

Counterpoint: Why mess with success since Harris is regarded as one of the NFL’s best slot cover men?

Fangio craves versatility. Last year, Harris had to play the slot because there was nobody else. This year, depending on the opponent, Fangio could deploy Harris, Jackson or Callahan to cover inside.

The plus for Harris is he could be assigned to shadow the opponent����ap No. 1 receiver regardless of where he lines up, which means more targets and more takeaway opportunities.

Callahan is the key to that possible formula. In four years with Chicago, he never played a full season (45 of a possible 64 games). But out of the slot, he knows how to track receivers and can also be a blitzer (two sacks last year).

Point: Bausby is the favorite for the top reserve cornerback spot.

Counterpoint: Even though he has experience in Fangio’s scheme, he’ll need to do well in camp.

Bausby, who played in the AAF this winter, was poked by Fangio during the offseason program for his inconsistency. Bausby played four games for Fangio’s Bears in 2016 (12 tackles) and six games for Philadelphia last year. The lack of experience means he needs to stay available and productive during camp.

Plan A for the Broncos should be for Bausby to fill a reserve role behind Harris/Callahan in the base defense and Harris/Callahan/Jackson in sub personnel.

Point: The competition for the back-up safety spots is and then everybody else.

Counterpoint: Special teams play could be a deciding factor.

Simmons, Jackson and Parks as the top three safeties is a safe bet. But after that there is uncertainty.

The roster math could play a role. If Fangio is committed to nickel (three cornerbacks/two safeties) as his primary sub package, it may mean he keeps more linebackers than safeties.

Su’a Cravens, Trey Marshall, Dymonte Thomas, Shamarko Thomas, and Jamal Carter are the candidates. Carter would have made the team last year if not for a preseason hamstring injury. Both Dymonte and Shamarko Thomas have special teams ability. Marshall could slide through waivers and be on the practice squad.

Wednesday: Special teams