The Denver Broncos finalized their initial 53-man roster on August 30 as they attempt to make it back to the playoffs for the third straight season. For those following Colorado sports betting, Denver will start the season as a 3-point underdog against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1.
Broncos Make Multiple Roster Moves
Head Coach Sean Payton and General Manager George Paton spent the weekend trimming the roster from 90 players down to the league-mandated 53, and Paton called it one of the toughest cuts in recent memory. The Broncos waived defensive lineman Israel Antwine, outside linebacker Ron Stone Jr., and nose tackle Jordan Miller as part of the process, and also let go of running back Jaleel McLaughlin and linebacker Drew Sanders.
One of the bigger surprises came at tight end, where fifth-round rookie Justin Joly was waived in favor of seventh-round pick Dallen Bentley. Wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey and quarterback Sam Ehlinger both secured spots that were far from guaranteed, and Denver elected to carry three quarterbacks with Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham, and Ehlinger. Along the offensive line, veteran Calvin Throckmorton was later released, while Alex Palczewski, Kage Casey, Alex Forsyth, and Matt Peart round out the reserve tackle and guard spots.
Broncos Add 17 Players to Practice Squad
A day after setting the initial 53-man roster, the Broncos announced a 17-player practice squad, one more than the usual 16-man limit because outside linebacker David Agoha fills the team's International Pathway Program exemption. The group leans heavily on players who spent training camp in Denver, including seventh-round picks Red Murdock at linebacker and Miles Scott at safety.
The rest of the practice squad includes defensive back Brent Austin, wide receivers Michael Bandy and Dane Key, long snappers Luke Basso and Mitchell Fraboni, defensive back Sean Fresch Sr., wide receiver Kolbe Katsis, tight end Lucas Krull, offensive lineman Tyler Miller, guard Gavin Ortega, fullback Adam Prentice, running back Cody Schrader, guard Calvin Throckmorton, and defensive back Johnny Walker Jr. Notably absent were Justin Joly and cornerback Reese Taylor, both of whom were claimed off waivers by the Miami Dolphins before Denver could bring them back.
Broncos Place Players on Reserved List
Injuries have already reshaped part of Denver's depth chart heading into Week 1. Offensive tackle Frank Crum landed on the short-term injured reserve list and will not be eligible to return until Week 5. Tight end Caleb Lohner also opened the season on short-term IR after an encouraging camp under Payton, who said Lohner had improved at "everything" this offseason. Edge rusher Jonathon Cooper was placed on the exempt list, which pushes Jonah Elliss and Que Robinson into larger roles on a defense that ranked among the league's best a year ago.
Let's Talk About Their Week 1 Opponent
Denver opens the season on the road against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football. According to DraftKings, the Broncos are 3-point underdogs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium despite coming off a strong 2025 campaign. Mahomes is working his way back from a torn ACL and an LCL suffered in December, and oddsmakers still believe in his ability to elevate Kansas City the moment he steps back on the field. It is worth noting that Denver swept the Chiefs last season, winning both meetings, yet the market still favors Kansas City at home. Bettors weighing this one can compare lines and promos across the top Colorado sports betting apps before kickoff.
