3 players who are playing for their future on the Broncos in Week 15

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DENVER, COLORADO – NOVEMBER 20: Brandon Johnson #89 of the Denver Broncos runs a route during an NFL game between the Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on November 20, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. The Las Vegas Raiders won in overtime (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) /

2. Pretty much every wide receiver playing

Somewhat similar to the offensive line in this particular matchup, nobody really knows who is going to be back on this roster in 2023 at the wide receiver position. At least, in terms of the guys actually playing against the Cardinals on Sunday.

Here’s how things started in the Russell Wilson era, at least in terms of our expectations:

Courtland Sutton
Tim Patrick
Jerry Jeudy
KJ Hamler

There’s no doubt that this was supposed to be an electric group of receivers with a top-10 quarterback getting them the ball. Unfortunately, this is the lineup we’re left with after all of the injuries heading into Week 15:

Jerry Jeudy
Jalen Virgil
Brandon Johnson
Montrell Washington
Freddie Swain

Only Jeudy and Washington were on the final 53-man roster to open the season. That doesn’t mean the Broncos won’t get an evaluation from the future in this game, however. Whether Russell Wilson or Brett Rypien ends up playing in this game due to Wilson’s status in the concussion protocol, I think all of these receivers — including Swain — have a shot to make their case at a roster spot beyond just this season.

All of these guys have shown some good things at some point or another in their NFL career with Swain obviously having the most experience at this point. Virgil, Johnson, and Washington are rookies who are still under contract for next year. It would be outstanding to see them — Virgil, in particular — get opportunities in this game against a weak Cardinals secondary.

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