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Denver Broncos roster moves: What’s up next?

By Sayre Bedinger

GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 30: Offensive tackle Elijah Wilkinson #68 of the Denver Broncos on the bench during the preseason NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Broncos defeated the Cardinals 21-10. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 30: Offensive tackle Elijah Wilkinson #68 of the Denver Broncos on the bench during the preseason NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Broncos defeated the Cardinals 21-10. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – AUGUST 30: Running back De’Angelo Sr. Henderson #33 of the Denver Broncos dives with the football past defensive end Jacquies Smith #96 of the Arizona Cardinals during the preseason NFL game at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – AUGUST 30: Running back De’Angelo Sr. Henderson #33 of the Denver Broncos dives with the football past defensive end Jacquies Smith #96 of the Arizona Cardinals during the preseason NFL game at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Tight End

The Broncos really only have two legitimate options at tight end heading into the regular season right now.

Those options are Jeff Heuerman and Jake Butt, and both have made their way back from nagging or major injuries.

Both players have torn their ACL within the last three years.

Behind Heuerman and Butt, the Broncos have Matt LaCosse, Austin Traylor, and Brian Parker.

Rookie Troy Fumagalli is likely heading to season-ending injured reserve, but if the Broncos believe he can help him this season and they want a flexible roster spot, they can roster Fumagalli on the 53 and put him on injured reserve Monday.

That’s the only way Fumagalli can play this season.

If the Broncos want any player on the roster to return from injured reserve at some point, they cannot be placed on IR prior to Monday.

Of the tight ends battling for roster spots, Matt LaCosse has easily shown the most as a pass catcher, and the Broncos even got him some work as a fullback. It looked like they were prepping him for a versatile role if need be.

Austin Traylor has not stood out this preseason like he needed to, and while he and Parker may be better blockers than LaCosse at this point, they are not nearly as good at catching passes.

Which will the Broncos prioritize, as Heuerman and Butt are both solid blockers?

My guess is the Broncos put Fumagalli on season-ending injured reserve, and keep Matt LaCosse while scouring the waiver/trade wire for an upgrade.

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