Since Rogers was with Denver all last year while Barrett is a rookie. Those two could definitely flip flop depending on the health of Manuel and Abduallah (and if Denver thinks one of the two is more likely to be grabbed off of waivers)

I’ve thought about posting on the subject of whether Barrett’s being 4th string meant he had fallen out of favor or failed to rise because of his injury — which seems to be some part, at least, of the story.

Our own observors from here at MHR gave Barrett glowing evaluations for his work in camp, so he seems to have distinguished himself there although I don’t doubt that there may have been things the coaches viewed a sharply different light. His work in the Houston game appeared to make him a lock on a roster spot but then he rolled his ankle in the Dallas game. Barrett returned to action and showed his mettle but his physical condition is probably still impaired, even though there haven’t been any reports on this subject.

I think Barrett’s 4th string status is a combination of factors; he’s probably still behind the other Safeties in terms of recognition skills and knowing assignments (at least, not ahead so that moving him up the depth chart was warranted), and he’s probably still recovering from the ankle injury, so another way of justifying promoting him is also unavailable to him. A third factor also works against him — he’s a SS on a team that needs FSs with strong pass coverage skills.

Depth Charts are true examples of meritocracy in action but I still doubt that the Broncos would cut a player with a much greater upside if the competition is relatively close — assuming that the coaches don’t know something I don’t. But that’s the problem, since there’s an enormous amount of information they possess that I don’t. Still, I don’t recall any Bronco Safeties logging 9 tackles in a game lately and I think it’s going to be difficult to justify cutting him after that kind of performance. The decision on the cut will be primarily based on how he handles his responsibilities at the Safety position (IMO), but it’s also hard to ignore Barrett’s potential on Special Teams, particularly Gunner.

I like K-Lich and want to see him on the team, but I don’t want to see any of the other O-linemen cut. So I compromised with myself and decided to try and slip him through waivers.

They could both end up on the PS. Not really sure why I went with Polumbus since Denver already has plenty of youth at the tackles.

So no matter which one they keep I can say “see, I knew the team would keep him in some form” :)

More seriously, a punter on the PS is doubtful but could happen if the team thinks one of them has more potential but needs to work on consistency.

Great stuff, as usual Matt. Woodyard has played very well, and Larsen hasn’t shown very much in games. The fact that he’s wearing #46 and playing both Fullback and Linebacker makes him seem like a practice squad guy to me. I also doubt Lichtensteiger goes to the practice squad, and suspect Pears may end up being a goner in his place (if an injury doesn’t materialize to send Kory or somebody else to IR for the year.)

Finally, my understanding is that Nic Clemons is a favorite of the defensive coaching staff, and I expect him to be in the mix to stick around too.

He was very impressive in preseason and would love to see more of him. However if he makes the team someone will be the odd man out.

but cut him and he was out of football that entire year. Before Denver signed him after the 2006 season concluded. It does seem like he has been here longer, doesn’t it?

I think one of the two WR you mention will get cut when Marshall comes back from suspension. And I think a DL may get cut after a few weeks (and someone promoted from the practice squad) once they see some of the bottom tier D-linemen playing real games inn the NFL. I’d rather see L Green or Beck kept over Clemons, but this was a case where all the info indicates Clemons so my head overruled my heart

I know you’re only thinking out loud BB, but the bottom line on the DL is probably 9 — assuming there’s not too much of a talent drop-off. My remedy at DT is to consider EE another DT, and he always played both DT and DE but people may have forgotten. I’m not against moves that preserve the overall strength of the DL but I can’t see it dropping below 9. We may see some surprises, like dropping EE and keeping Clemons. We may even see them drop both or someone else, and then acquire someone else’s DT, assuming the coaching staff decides that we’re just too weak at the bottom of the DL depth chart.

Afte the ankle the back can be bothersome, and he’s nt all that yung. It’s a tough call – glad I’m not Shanny tonight.

if a cut was imminent he would be given every opportunity to retire as a Denver Bronco.

The truth is rather absurd but according to Tom Mills, his agent, over 25 teams wanted to sign Polumbus.

"It’s the most intense competition we’ve ever had for an undrafted free agent.. " – Tom Mills

I think he is playing for Cleveland, he was similar to a Ben Hamilton type, someone who needed a year to get the system, but now he will be starting in Cleveland this year.

You cannot have been on the practice squad for more than two years already and you cannot have an “accrued season” of NFL service. An accrued season is one where a player is on the 53 man roster for 6 or more games. Steven Harris was only signed off the practice squad for the last 4 in 2007.

Also, there is an exception for free agents with a single accrued season who were active on gameday for fewer than 9 games during that season. I am pretty sure this exception allows Hackney to be put back on the practice squad this year.

is super surprising, but when you look at these guys one to one, it makes total sense. I know you are predicitng Larsen to PS after Marshall returns, and I think that it is a move to keep an eye on.

I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if it didn’t happen, but the numbers make a lot of sense, with too many LBs and 2 MLB ahead of him.