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Denver Broncos roster prediction: Injuries cause a re-shuffle

By Sayre Bedinger

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 08: Malik Reed #59 of the Denver Broncos runs onto the field before the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on August 08, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 08: Malik Reed #59 of the Denver Broncos runs onto the field before the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on August 08, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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Denver Broncos
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 23: Royce Freeman #28 of the Denver Broncos celebrates with Jake Butt #80 after rushing for a six-yard touchdown in the first quarter of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Explanations: Offense

Only two quarterbacks

Of course, if Brett Rypien plays lights out in whatever preseason reps he’s given from this point on, or if the coaches are simply gushing over his practices, the Broncos would probably dedicate one of their 53 spots to him.

If they can sneak Rypien through to the practice squad, it would benefit both parties. Rypien would not cost the Broncos a 53-man roster spot and he would continue to be able to develop in Rich Scangarello’s offense.

They could roster him at some point during the season to keep other teams away if need be.

Kevin Hogan’s apparent demotion in practices is the latest evidence we have that the Broncos could be moving towards keeping just Flacco and Lock on the active roster. With some of the injuries that have come up, they may have to do that out of necessity.

Muhammad over Booker?

I really don’t know about this one. I think after what we saw in the first preseason game, there was no way you could cut Muhammad. He didn’t show as well in the second preseason game, but that doesn’t mean the first one should be cast aside.

The Broncos gave more touches to Devontae Jackson and David Williams in the Seattle game anyway.

I still think Muhammad’s elite speed gives him the edge for a roster spot and I believe Booker will eventually be replaced by Riddick anyway. If you trade or cut Booker and keep Muhammad, you have some flexibility later on.

Jake Butt is back?

We hope.

Butt is such a talented player, but he has been out for such a long time it was hard to justify a roster spot. If he is healthy going into the regular season, I don’t think there’s any way the Broncos cut him.

Keeping four tight ends over six wide receivers seems likely at this point if the Broncos can find a solution at the punt return spot, where they say they currently don’t have clarity.

To fullback or not to fullback…

I have the Broncos keeping George Aston on the active roster in this prediction. I think they will give him a fair shot, and ultimately this came down to a few things.

  1. What are the Broncos’ plans for Dekoda Watson?
  2. Does keeping George Aston prevent them from keeping their top pick for punt returner?
  3. Does keeping Aston mean not keeping four TEs?

I don’t have all of those answers, but keeping Aston, this was the roster I came up with. If the Broncos were to cut Kevin Hogan and Dekoda Watson, it would free up $2.54 million in cap space as well.

Offensive line

The Broncos seem to be grooming Austin Schlottman the most of any of their backup interior guys to play a versatile role.

Preseason snaps don’t mean a guy is making the team, but Schlottman has played some at left guard, right guard, and center, and has the most snaps of any backup OL on the team.

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