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The Broncos play their preseason finale tonight against the Arizona Cardinals. The roster stands currently at 75 players, but 22 of them will be cut after tonight's game.
This game might be meaningless to you and me, but to 30 players currently on the Broncos this game means everything to them.
So with that said, let's take a look at the players currently on the roster bubble, and what they have to show to make the team.
Running backs Montee Ball and Kapri Bibbs
I already covered how this game could be a make or break game for running back Montee Ball. He's currently the fourth back on the depth chart, and on the roster bubble. A good or bad game could go a long way in deciding his fate with the Broncos.
He and running back Kapri Bibbs are expected to get a majority of the carries in the game. This is a big opportunity for Bibbs too. He can show the Broncos and the 31 other teams that he deserves a roster spot on their team.
Bibbs could find a home on the Broncos practice squad once again.
Wide receivers Andre Caldwell, Jordon Norwood, Bennie Fowler, Corbin Louks, and Jordan Taylor
This might be the toughest positional group to figure out.
I think it's safe to assume that one or both of Jordon Norwood and Andre Caldwell are making the roster. Both players have received first-team reps recently.
After those two it gets tough. Fowler, Louks and Taylor all have flashed at times this summer. Coach Gary Kubiak says the players play on special teams could be the deciding factor in who makes and who doesn't.
We could be a five, six, seven receiver football team depending on how things play out here over the weekend. It's very big. Bubba's been a good special teams player and Bennie has been good. Bennie's been nicked a little bit. He's got a sore hip, so I'm hoping he's ready to go Thursday. It will be a big part. You'll see Taylor play a lot more special teams in this game, also."
This will be a fun battle to watch tonight.
Inside linebackers Lamin Barrow, Corey Nelson, Steven Johnson, and Zaire Anderson
Denver Broncos General Manager John Elway told Houston Texans General Manager Rick Smith that he's "looking to move one or two Inside linebackers" on this week's episode of Hard Knocks. It will be interesting to see if this happens in the coming days.
With Brandon Marshall, Danny Trevathan, and probably Todd Davis having their roster spots locked in, the other four linebackers are fighting for 1 or 2 other spots.
Johnson was getting first-team reps while Trevathan and Marshall were rehabbing injuries. His play has been good, so I think it's unlikely he gets cut. With Kubiak putting an emphasis on special teams, Johnson's play there should really help him. I view Johnson as a possible trade candidate for the Broncos.
Lamin Barrow and Corey Nelson were drafted by the Broncos last season, and both are in danger of not making the team. Nelson has been getting reps ahead of Barrow so the chances he makes it over Barrow seem good.
Could undrafted rookie Zaire Anderson keep the Broncos UDFA streak alive? Kubiak has been praising this rookie all summer and he has played well during the preseason. A good performance tonight could get him a roster spot.
Cornerbacks Kayvon Webster, Tony Carter, Lorenzo Doss, Taurean Nixon, and Curtis Marsh
With Chris Harris Jr., Aqib Talib, and Bradley Roby locked into their roster spot, that leaves two or three spots for these five players.
I think it's safe to assume that Kayvon Webster has a spot for him on the roster as the fourth corner for the Broncos, after that? It's all up in the air.
Tony Carter has been the Broncos fifth corner for the past few years and will be fighting for that spot again. With the Broncos spending a 5th round pick on Lorenzo Doss and a 7th round pick on Taurean Nixon, I think he might be on the outside looking in.
Speaking of Doss, I think his spot is locked in because of his rookie status. I don't see Elway moving on from his 5th round pick.
Horse Tracks:
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Colts general manager Ryan Grigson handed former Ravens defensive end Arthur Jones a five-year, $33 million contract last March. The team has received very little in return since.
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Kirk Cousins is only two days removed from being anointed the Redskins' starting quarterback, and already one of his teammates is singing his highest praises.
Bears Pro Bowl LB Lance Briggs hints at retirement - NFL.com
Former Bears linebacker Lance Briggs announced on Wednesday he is taking his talents to television. Will the seven-time Pro Bowler join with Brian Urlacher in the Hall of Fame some day?
49ers' Eddie DeBartolo Jr. selected as HOF finalist - NFL.com
Former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. has been selected as a finalist for the Class of 2016 in the "contributor" category. He will need approval from 80 percent of the voters in January.
Jerry Jones wants running game opponents 'respect' - NFL.com
Without DeMarco Murray, the Cowboys will have to earn respect from opposing defenses. Jerry Jones wants nothing less than that. Can Dallas avoid a setback in the run game?
Sio Moore's Raiders future up in the air? - NFL.com
Coach Jack Del Rio said last week that Sio Moore is competing to be a role player with the Raiders. Has the former All-Rookie linebacker fallen out of favor with the new regime in Oakland?
Titans' Sammie Hill has knee cleaned out, to miss three games - NFL.com
Sammie Hill will miss the first three games of the regular season for the Titans after having his knee cleaned out on Wednesday, according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport.
Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III receives standing ovation during luncheon
Redskins QB Robert Griffin III, who entered a team luncheon with new starter Kirk Cousins, was later given a 15-second standing ovation when he had the stage to himself.
Buffalo Bills worried LeSean McCoy won't be ready for Week 1
The Buffalo Bills are concerned that running back LeSean McCoy might not be fully ready for Week 1, a team source told ESPN's Josina Anderson.
Wife of Washington Redskins general manager apologizes for tweet aimed at ESPN reporter
The wife of the Washington Redskins' general manager publicly apologized to ESPN's Dianna Russini on Wednesday evening for posting vulgar tweets directed at Russini.
Final auditions for Tim Tebow, other players on bubble of NFL rosters - Thursday NFL preview
NFL Nation previews what to watch for around the league as preseason comes to a close Thursday, including the battle to be the Eagles' No. 3 quarterback.