Denver Broncos: 5 players with roster status soaring after Seahawks win

4. Royce Freeman, RB

It’s been a tough 2021 offseason for Royce Freeman in terms of what people like us content producers have been saying regarding his future.

The former third-round pick out of Oregon has basically been written off as a cut or trade candidate based on the additions the Denver Broncos have made the last two offseasons at the running back position, namely Melvin Gordon, Javonte Williams, and Mike Boone.

With Boone now injured along with fellow backup options LeVante Bellamy and Adrian Killins Jr., Freeman’s roster stock has pretty rapidly ascended.

There may have been a chance Damarea Crockett could have taken Freeman’s spot if he played well enough in preseason games, but it’s been a nice couple of weeks for Freeman who once looked like he was on his way to a long-term RB1 status in Denver.

The most impressive play from Freeman came when he was out with the top offensive unit, and he caught a pass from Teddy Bridgewater in space. Freeman was able to put a Seahawks defender on skates, making a really nice open-field move and creating after the catch for the first down.

He was also very solid in pass protection in this game and proved his worth as a three-down back.

With Boone injured and the depth around Freeman not getting it done (or also hurt), there is almost no chance he’s off the 53-man roster in a couple of weeks.