Looking ahead to the first preseason game of the 2018 season, we provide an injury report plus what to expect from the Denver Broncos.
Broncos Head Coach Vance Joseph met with the media on Thursday to give his final thoughts ahead of the Denver Broncos matchup with the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday.
One of the biggest questions during the week was regarding how much the Broncos starters would play in Saturday’s preseason opener.
"”The first team will get two series max. Obviously, things happen on game day, but two series max. After that, we’ll go with our twos hopefully through the first half until probably the middle of the third quarter” – Broncos HC Vance Joseph on how much starters will play on Saturday (Denver Broncos PR)"
More from Predominantly Orange
- Broncos coach predictions: Ranking candidates from least likely to most likely
- Denver Broncos blatantly ignoring maybe the best head coach candidate
- 3 roster moves that backfired on the Denver Broncos in 2022
- 3 blockbuster trades the Denver Broncos almost made, but didn’t
- Broncos head coach search nearing its conclusion after Friday interview
We can expect to see Case Keenum, Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Courtland Sutton, and the starting offensive line for at least two series on Saturday. It will be interesting to see how rookies like Sutton and speedy DaeSean Hamilton will play in their first NFL action.
Another storyline that’s important to follow is watching the running backs compete. Earlier this week, the Broncos released their depth chart which featured Devontae Booker as the team’s number one back heading into Saturday.
Behind Booker is rookie tailback Royce Freeman who will see his first live NFL action. Freeman is auditioning to become the Broncos starting tailback against the Seahawks Week one of the NFL regular season.
Devontae Booker and Royce Freeman will split the time with the first-team offensive during their first two series.
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 9, 2018
After that, every running back will play, per Vance Joseph.
It’s also expected that every running back on the roster will see reps with different units. These players include David Williams, De’Angelo Henderson, and Phillip Lindsay. Broncos fans can also expect Von Miller to play on Saturday. Miller sat out of any preseason action in 2017.
Fan favorite Jake Butt will also be playing in his first ever NFL action, and he’ll get some reps with the ones.
Denver Broncos Injury Report:
OUT:
Jeff Heuerman – knee
Menelik Watson – pectorial
Su’a Cravens – knee
GAME-TIME DECISION:
Tramaine Brock – hamstring
Sam Jones – foot
QUESTIONABLE:
Clinton McDonald – shoulder
Broncos football is back this Saturday, stay tuned at Predominantly Orange for full recap and analysis.