Greg Orton (89) runs after a catch during training camp at the Broncos training facility. (Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)

The Denver Broncos signed cornerback Mario Butler and wide receiver Greg Orton to future contracts.

Butler was on the Broncos’ practice squad for the second half of the 2012 season. Out of Georgia Tech, he was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as a college free agent in 2011. He played in one game for the Cowboys during the 2011 season.

Orton got his start with the Broncos on the practice squad during the second half to the team’s 2011 season. He was on the practice squad for the entire 2012 season. Out of Purdue, Orton spent his first year in the league with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2009, and spent some time with the Arena Football League’s Spokane Shock and the United Football League’s Omaha Nighthawks.

A futures contract signs the player for the upcoming season even though that season doesn’t officially begin until the official start of the new league year. Only players who weren’t on an active roster the previous season are eligible for this type of contract. Futures contracts allow teams to continue to work with players they’re familiar with, with the hopes that they will be able to get them read for an actual roster spot.

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Because of a knee injury, Mark Dell won't be suiting up for the Broncos this season. (Ed Andrieski/AP Photo)

In football, it’s the age-old question. What’s the benefit to risk ratio with preseason games?

Teams need the live practice, but with that comes the risk of injury.

The Broncos came out of their week one preseason game relatively unscathed, which is quite remarkable considering the limited football action there’s been since February. Bodies still aren’t totally accustomed to taking or giving hits. Running live routes over the middle is still foreign, and the possibility of wayward knees didn’t really exist until camp started two weeks ago.

The spot where the Broncos are aching right now is at wide receiver.

Demaryius Thomas is out with a torn Achilles Tendon, Eddie Royal is experiencing pain in his other hip (he had off season hip surgery), Mark Dell was waived because of a serious knee injury, and Britt Davis suffered a knee injury in the Dallas game. Brandon Lloyd (swelling in knee) and Matt Willis (soreness from the preseason game) had to miss some practice time last week. Tight end Richard Quinn is also out with a strained MCL.
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