As the final seconds ticked away in Arizona on Thursday night, reality began to set in that the body of work that every Bronco player put forth during the preseason would now have to speak for itself.

There are no more meaningless preseason games. No more second chances. 2018 has already gotten real for 13 former Broncos and yet, the Turk still lurks.

The drama that most fans were hoping to have settled will have to wait until Saturday. Paxton Lynch, Isaiah McKenzie, and Devontae Booker are still Denver Broncos. What’s to become of Phillip Lindsay? Jeff Holland? A newly healthy Su’a Cravens?

With all the drama of a made for television movie, the Denver Broncos preseason is saving resolution of 2018’s intrigue until the final act. Stay tuned, Broncos fans. John Elway and company aren’t done yet.

For cuts, trades, and other Denver Broncos news check out Mile High Report’s 2018 preseason tracker.

HORSE TRACKS

Denver Broncos trim 13 players off their roster
The trim was made Friday.

Arizona Cardinals vs. Denver Broncos: Five things we learned
Arizona Cardinals insider Bob McManaman offers a recap and a rundown from the Cardinals’ 21-10 preseason loss to the Denver Broncos.

Lynch has big 2nd half, Broncos beat Cardinals 21-10
A near-perfect second half in the preseason finale didn't appear to be enough to give Paxton Lynch the No. 2 quarterback job in Denver. Lynch completed 14 of 15 passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns and was not intercepted, leading the Broncos to a 21-10 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday

John Elway says Chad Kelly has “done enough to secure that second spot”
Chad Kelly will start for the Broncos tonight against the Cardinals, having beaten out former first-round pick Paxton Lynch for the backup quarterback job. Broncos coach Vance Joseph declared Kelly the backup for “right now” while discussing the backup job earlier this week. Broncos General Manager John

Broncos defeat Cardinals, 21-10, in preseason finale | FOX31 Denver
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Broncos beat the Arizona Cardinals, 21-10, in the preseason finale on Thursday night. The Broncos' early progress in the game was quickly halted when Chad Kelly threw an interception. The Cardinals got the first points during the next drive.

David Ramsey's Rapid Reaction: Paxton Lynch impressive in Broncos' exhibition finale | Sports Coverage | gazette.com
DENVER • Paxton Lynch delivered a statement to a state that doubts him.

Refocused, NFL Preseason Week 4: Denver Broncos 21, Arizona Cardinals 10 | NFL Analysis | Pro Football Focus
The Denver Broncos defeated the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday evening, 21-10 continuing the fourth week of preseason action in the NFL.

Jordan Leslie gets cut, frustrated that preseason performance didn’t help – ProFootballTalk
Jordan Leslie was the Broncos' leading receiver this preseason, but that didn't stop him from getting cut. Leslie revealed on Twitter that he's been cut today after catching nine passes for 110 yards and a touchdown this preseason.

Broncos' Jordan Taylor: Expected to remain on PUP - CBSSports.com
Broncos' Jordan Taylor: Expected to remain on PUP

Peyton Manning shares how United Way SNL skit almost didn't happen | Idaho Statesman
Former Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos quarterback shares how the United Way skit from when he hosted Saturday Night Live in 2007 almost didn't happen.

Why Is Ed McCaffrey Coaching High School Football? | 5280

The NFL’s Most Likely Surprise Contenders - The Ringer
Who will be this year’s Rams or Jaguars? Every year an unknown team breaks out—here are three teams you shouldn’t sleep on.

Auburn NFL roundup: Jeff Holland provides sack, takeaway in Broncos' win | AL.com
On the final night of the NFL's 2018 preseason schedule, 29 Auburn alumni got on the field.

Phillip Lindsay turns strong preseason into unexpected night off in Arizona
The University of Colorado product turned in impressive work throughout training camp and in three preseason games.

Adam Jones has 'always looked up to Champ,' plans to wear No. 24 if he makes Broncos' 53-man roster

How a trio of Denver Broncos are succeeding after rookie injuries - Denver Broncos Blog- ESPN
Jake Butt, Jeff Heuerman and Chad Kelly missed their first seasons with injuries and now get a chance to show what they can do.

Multiple teams showing interest in Earl Thomas trade - NFL.com
The Cowboys aren't the only team circling overhead Earl Thomas, preparing to swoop in for a potential steal in trade talks. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that multiple teams have reach out.

Report: Browns have interest in trading for Khalil Mack – ProFootballTalk
Could the Browns be the destination for holdout pass rusher Khalil Mack? They could if Cleveland is able to pull off a blockbuster trade, and Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com reports that the Browns are expected to inquire with the Raiders about just such a trade.

Raiders looking to move 2015 draft pick Mario Edwards - NFL.com
The Raiders are looking for trade partners to move defensive lineman Mario Edwards, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reports. Oakland selected Edwards in the second round of the 2015 draft.

Shaquem Griffin finishes preseason as Seahawks leading tackler, ready to start if necessary
With K.J. Wright unlikely to play in next week’s opener in Denver, rookie linebacker Shaquem Griffin appears set to start for the Seahawks in Wright’s place at strong-side linebacker against the Broncos. The one-handed college standout from Central Florida led Seattle in tackles for the second time in

Rams, Aaron Donald finalize six-year extension reportedly worth $135 million - CBSSports.com
Donald is now the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history

Texans surprisingly cut 2016 third-round pick Braxton Miller, per report - CBSSports.com
Miller disappointed during his two seasons in Houston as he transitioned to wide receiver

Teddy Bridgewater: 'I definitely do not mind waiting' behind Drew Brees - CBSSports.com
Bridgewater was traded to the Saints earlier this week, and might be in line to take over when the legend retires

Josh Gordon to practice on Monday – ProFootballTalk
We already know that wide receiver Josh Gordon won't start for the Browns in their season opener against the Steelers, but the question of whether he will play at all has yet to be definitively answered.

Dolphins trade safety Jordan Lucas to the Chiefs – ProFootballTalk
The Chiefs needed some help in the defensive secondary, and they've gotten it. Via Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, the Dolphins have traded safety Jordan Lucas to Kansas City. A sixth-rounder in 2016, Lucas will net a seventh-round pick in 2019 for the Dolphins.

49ers announce 12 cuts, including Joe Williams, Aldrick Robinson – ProFootballTalk
The 49ers announced 12 roster moves Friday, including the previously reported departures of running back Joe Williams and receiver Aldrick Robinson. San Francisco made Williams a fourth-round pick last year, but he spent his rookie season on injured reserve with a foot injury.

Carson Wentz’s surgeon recommends “cautious approach” in quarterback’s return – ProFootballTalk
The doctor who repaired the torn anterior cruciate ligament and lateral collateral ligament in Carson Wentz's left knee recommends a "cautious approach" in the quarterback's return. "What's a few games over 12 to 15 years?" Dr.

Bucs: Jameis Winston not guaranteed to start Week 4 - NFL.com
Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht refutes the notion that Jameis Winston will simply be handed the QB1 role when he rejoins teammates after he's reinstated from NFL suspension in Week 4.

Saints parting ways with wide receiver Michael Floyd - NFL.com
The New Orleans Saints are releasing veteran wide receiver Michael Floyd as the team trims their roster to 53. Floyd signed with the Saints in late July.

Philadelphia Eagles release QB Christian Hackenberg
The Eagles, who boast one of the best QB situations in the NFL with Carson Wentz, Nick Foles and Nate Sudfeld, have released Christian Hackenberg, a source told ESPN.

Dallas Cowboys to release Kony Ealy
Kony Ealy will be among those released by the Cowboys ahead of Saturday's deadline to reach the 53-man roster limit.

Eli Rogers of Pittsburgh Steelers expected to start season on PUP list
Steelers slot receiver Eli Rogers is expected to start the season on the physically unable to perform list, a source told ESPN, giving him more time to recover from a torn ACL.