RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Dec 10, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Denver Broncos left safety Mitchell Fraboni (48) during pregame in a game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yannick Peterhans-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
On Sunday, the axe came down on 27 preseason participants and left behind the 2026 Denver Broncos. As there seems to be every year, a few surprises stood out looking at the list. Here is what you need to know.
Justin Joly was the No. 152 pick overall. I believe that makes him the highest pick waived by the Broncos at the roster deadline as a rookie since Maurice Clarett in 2005 (No. 101).
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) August 30, 2026
In all the models and guesses about who would and who wouldn’t make the final 53, there were none, at least that I’m aware of, that had Joly on the outside looking in. When you look back at Clarett and how little he participated in training camp and the preseason back in 2005, it’s telling just how poorly Joly performed. Against Atlanta he had 1 reception for 0 yards. Against Green Bay, he had 2 receptions for 10 yards. His breakout performance against Minnesota, 2 receptions for 96-yards and a touchdown wasn’t enough to overcome whatever it was that ultimately kept him off the team. There is clearly more to this story. The Broncos don’t just Clarett a third round pick unless it’s dutifully earned.
It’s really weird to see all the roster chicanery regarding the practice squad, elevation on gamedays, and everything in between. What do I mean? As of right now, the Broncos don’t currently have a fullback or long snapper on the roster.
It's the annual Fullback Games. As they have done in past, #Broncos are releasing fullback Adam Prentice source confirms with idea of elevating him from PSquad first 3 games and likely promoting him to 53-man roster by game 4. Don't have to guarantee his $1.215M salary this way…
— MikeKlis9NEWS (@mikeklis9news) August 29, 2026
Broncos do not have a long snapper after releasing Mitchell Fraboni. George Paton said he'll sign to the practice squad. Added it provides roster flexibility.
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevens) August 30, 2026
Veteran tight end Lucas Krull is also caught up in this weird maneuver, but, like the others, is expected to join the practice squad in the coming hours. It’s got to be an added aggravation to have to go through this process if you’re the player.
Jonathon Cooper wasn’t cut, nor is he on the Broncos 53. Due to two offseason instances of alleged profound stupidity, Cooper will be starting the season on the Commissioner’s Exempt List. There is no telling how long Cooper will be in NFL purgatory, but estimates project at least two games, but could potentially extend the entire season, especially if his legal defense stalls out in court.
You should should also know, citizens of Broncos Country, that Bo Nix, Jaylen Waddle, Nik Bonitto, and all the marquee Broncos you’ve come to know and love this preseason (Sorry, Manjack and Murdock. It just wasn’t meant to be) will suit up in two weeks to face Kansas City to begin the effort to return to the AFC Championship game and beyond. It’s going to be an awesome season and it’s nearly here.
Now, just who will join the Broncos practice squad? Make sure to check this page out throughout the day for practice squad rumors and signings.
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