Broncos test depth in Week 2 preseason against Cardinals

A analysis of the Broncos roster battles as starters sit out and players vie for final cuts.

Broncos test depth in Week 2 preseason against Cardinals

The Broncos will rest most of their starters in the Week 2 preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, shifting attention to backups and hopefuls. Bo Nix will operate with the second and third string offense, while the defense shows it can generate pressure against high level competition. Key players to watch include Tyler Badie and Blake Watson at running back, the crowded receiver room, and tight end Lucas Krull as a potential candidate for the 53-man roster.

Special teams and blocking become decisive factors. Punter Jeremy Crawshaw has a chance to reset his week one showing, and Krull must show blocking and reliable hands to stay in the mix. The Broncos are also evaluating depth on the defensive line and secondary, with rookies like Jahdae Barron and Sai’vion Jones in the mix for roster spots. The game will set the stage for late August decisions as coaches balance talent, health, and scheme fits.

Depth is the real test here, not splash plays. The Broncos must show they can convert opportunities with players who rarely start but could be needed for a tough road stretch. This game should reveal how much the coaching staff trusts the second and third units in live action and how much edge the special teams unit carries into final cuts.

Beyond skill, blocking, tackling, and football IQ will decide who sticks. Krull’s performance at tight end matters because his versatility could shape the roster even if he isn’t the primary pass catcher. For the defense, rookies like Barron and Jones have a chance to prove they belong, while the punt game adds a fresh layer of pressure on the bottom of the roster as teams trim to 53.

Highlights

Cuts loom, and every snap in this game is a chance to tilt the roster in favor of uncertainty.