The Denver Broncos play their final preseason game Friday evening against the Minnesota Vikings at home, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. MT. The game will air on NFL Network for out-of-market fans. Once the final whistle blows, the roster trimming begins in earnest. Denver must cut from 91 players down to 53 by Sunday evening.
According to Yahoo Sports, five position battles remain unsettled heading into the game, and Friday represents the last chance for players on the roster bubble to make their case.
At defensive end, Malcolm Roach appears to be the front-runner to claim the starting spot opposite Zach Allen, replacing John Franklin-Myers. Eyioma Uwazurike and Jordan Jackson are also competing for the role. The Broncos carry significant depth along the defensive line and may keep as many as seven players at the position, which would be unusual for a 3-4 scheme.
At quarterback, Jarrett Stidham has operated as the clear number two throughout the preseason and is unlikely to see that change on Friday. Because of that, Stidham may not play deep into the game. Sam Ehlinger has finished out each of the first two preseason games and is expected to do the same Friday. If the rotation changes, it would signal an opening for Ehlinger to push for the backup role.
The safety competition is focused on the fourth spot. Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones are locked in as starters, and newly signed Taylor Rapp is expected to function as the third-choice safety. That still leaves Devon Key, JL Skinner, Tycen Anderson, Miles Scott and Parker Robertson battling for a single spot, or possibly two if Denver decides to carry five safeties.
Behind Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad at linebacker, the Broncos need to sort out a third option from a group that includes Karene Reid, Red Murdock, Jordan Turner and Taurean York. Denver is expected to keep two backups at the position and try to retain the others on the practice squad. The team may also look to the waiver wire at linebacker after cuts around the league are processed next week.
The fifth battle involves the backup returner role. Marvin Mims is the projected starter for both kickoff and punt returns in 2026. If that stays the same, Kolbe Katsis and Cam Ross may both end up on the practice squad. But if the coaching staff decides to scale back Mims' return duties to free him up for more offensive work, one of the two could push onto the active roster. Both players will get opportunities in the return game Friday night.
After the game, the Broncos begin the process of building their final 53-man roster before Sunday's league-wide deadline.
