RB: Melvin Gordon, Javonte Williams, Royce Freeman, Mike Boone (4)
(9/53)
Cut: Damarea Crockett, Stevie Scott, Adam Prentice
This may end up being Melvin Gordon’s final season with the Denver Broncos. He is starting out as the starting running back in 2021. Rookie Javonte Williams could eventually replace Gordon as the starting running back in 2021 but right now, it’s Gordon’s job.
That does not mean that Williams will be phased out of the offense, however. Running backs need relievers and Williams could be that for Gordon early on. There have been rumours that the Broncos were looking to trade Royce Freeman because they liked the other three (Boone included), but the injury to Boone pretty much put that to rest—for now.
Boone could miss some regular season time with a quad injury that he suffered during the preseason. With new injured reserve rules, he could be placed on there and come back in no less than three weeks.
Even if that is the case, the Broncos may be fine with just three running backs on the opening-day roster.
At fullback, I think Andrew Beck gets the nod over Adam Prentice because he has been around longer and has experience in the offense at both fullback and tight end.