Denver Broncos: 4 storylines to follow closely vs. Cardinals
By Andrew Wade
Who can we not expect to see Thursday?
As mentioned above, preseason game four is an opportunity for the reserves to shine bright like a diamond.
Likely, most, if not all starters will be resting Thursday night in preparation for Denver’s regular-season opener against Seattle. Who doesn’t play almost says as much as who does play.
The guys who don’t play likely have shown enough to the coaching staff that there is no need to risk them getting injured because they will be counted on to play significant snaps for Denver.
What will be interesting to see is who does and doesn’t play for the biggest starting position battle: running back.
Running back has been quite the story to follow all through camp. Presumed starter Devontae Booker has done nothing to separate himself from the pack, but is the most senior back on the roster.
Royce Freeman has shown quite a few flashes but is also a rookie, and at times, has looked the part. There were a few times against the Redskins where Freeman made the wrong read and ended up losing yards. He did, however, scamper for a long touchdown run.
Training camp darling Philip Lindsay got his fair share of snaps with the first team on Friday night, but I’m not sure he could hold up as the lead back with his size.
He’s much more of a change of pace back. This leaves me wondering if any of these guys will see the field Thursday.
My bet is Booker and Freeman do not play, and Lindsay will get the start.