5 Broncos’ players who made a good case for a roster spot in final preseason game

DENVER , CO - AUGUST 28: Justin Joly (80) of the Denver Broncos jogs off the field during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Friday, August 28, 2026. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) | Denver Post via Getty Images

The final preseason game was anything but boring as the Denver Broncos rolled over the Minnesota Vikings in a 34-6 blowout win . There were a lot of great individual performances last night and head coach Sean Payton is going to have a real problem filling out the back end of the initial 53-man roster and deciding who he might be able to sneak onto the 16-man practice squad.

Out of all those performances, here are four players we think made a really good case for an active roster spot after that final preseason game.

Cody Schrader

Cody Schrader absolutely killed it and showed just a ton of talent at the running back position. He can run, he can catch, and he can block out of the backfield. He had over 100 yards from scrimmage, including a touchdown in the back of the end zone on a broken play. I honestly think he might cost Jaleel McLaughlin his spot on the roster with this performance. – Sadaraine

CODY MFN SCHRADER TOUCHDOWN pic.twitter.com/GoL2zNOfD9

— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) August 29, 2026

Red Murdock

Red Murdock actually had a fairly quiet night on the tackle side of things with just four total tackles, but he had a critical forced fumble living up to his turnover creating reputation. I feel like both he and Taurean York are playmakers, but its also hard to see two rookies getting two active roster spots. I feel like one of them will get it and the other gets stowed away on the practice squad, but we might be seeing the future unfold at inside linebacker with these two. – Tim Lynch

Red Murdock ending the preseason with a FORCED FUMBLE

— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevens) August 29, 2026

Sam Ehlinger

Sam Ehlinger had a really good showing against the Vikings. Carrying a 3rd QB might not be what Sean Payton wants to do, but Ehlinger showed that he can hold down a spot on a roster. 15/20 for 233 yards and 3 TDs. I don’t care who it was against. His performance was worthy of note. He might not find himself on the final roster, but you can bet that the Broncos want to keep him around, while other teams might be interested in giving him a shot at a true backup spot. – Adam Malnati

Ehlinger finds the speedy Jaleel McLaughlin for a TOUCHDOWN pic.twitter.com/FZfKuuExHH

— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) August 29, 2026

Justin Joly

Justin Joly didn’t stand out much in the first two preseason games, but his 88-yard touchdown pass from Sam Ehlinger in the fourth quarter versus the Minnesota Vikings was incredible. This solidified his spot as one of the depth tight ends on the roster. Moreover, it was emblematic of the big-time plays he made throughout college. Hopefully this is just the first of many touchdowns he scores in his career with the Broncos. – Chris Hart

Justin Joly with an 88 yard TOUCHDOWN! WIDE ASS OPEN pic.twitter.com/xuSJDqPASe

— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) August 29, 2026

Kolbe Katsis

This kid just kept making plays in the return game. He added a second 40+ yard kick return last night with a 48-yard kick return, but more importantly, he adjusted field position in each of his two punt returns also with 2 returns for 31 yards. If it wasn’t for the presence of Marvin Mims Jr., I think he would make the final 53-man roster. However, Denver might have found the heir of Mims if he isn’t extended by free agency next March. We’ll have to see if they can hide Katsis away on the practice squad. – Tim Lynch

Kolbe Katsis shows off his speed on the return. Can he make the 53 man roster? pic.twitter.com/kwXJTvlrhD

— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) August 29, 2026

Who do you think should be added to this list? Share in the comments section below!

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Yahoo Sports. Open at source →