Denver Broncos: 4 players who could benefit from a short preseason

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 29: Defensive end DeMarcus Walker #57 of the Denver Broncos in action against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 29: Defensive end DeMarcus Walker #57 of the Denver Broncos in action against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
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Denver Broncos
DENVER, CO – AUGUST 19: Wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton #17 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after a reception for a first down as free safety D.J. Reed #32 and linebacker Dre Greenlaw #57 of the San Francisco 49ers look on during the second quarter of a preseason game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 19, 2019, in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

The preseason as we know it could be changing, at least for the 2020 NFL season.

For years, many fans have clamored that the league should reduce the number of preseason games, usually arguing that they are either “boring” or “meaningless”. Those who feel that way could soon get their wish.

According to a tweet from Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the league is considering shortening the preseason schedule down to two games, rather than the traditional four.

While preseason games might not be the most entertaining spectacle, they are far from meaningless. It is one of the best tools for a coaching staff to use in determining the team’s roster.

Without those extra games, there are players who will both benefit from having to hold off the competition a little longer while other players will be hindered by not having the chance to compete for a spot during those two games.

Both sides of that spectrum will be examined here at Predominantly Orange, and I am going to start with the players who will benefit if this ends up becoming the case.

In each case, these players could hold a precarious grip on their roster spot of their starting job and having two fewer games to have to worry about someone stealing that spot only helps their chances.

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