What a crazy-long road it’s been to get where we are this Monday after cut-down weekend. It seems like just yesterday that the 2018 season ended upon the whimper of a dismissed Vance Joseph.

Following the Broncos since then has been one hypothetical exercise after another. If we hire this coach... If we sign this free agent... If we draft this guy... It’s all been conjecture and projection. For the first time in a long time we know who, at least personnel-wise, these 2019 Broncos will and will not be. There are a bunch of great stories of players that worked their butt off to stick around. Here are some of my favorites.

One of the more annoying aspects of watching preseason football is the constant reminder that players are not only playing for their club, but for good tape that the rest of the league can can use to evaluate a player’s performance. Such is the case with recently claimed waiver acquisition, Brandon Allen. Like Mike Klis, I was as surprised to find that Kevin Hogan was released. While during the broadcast Klis noted Hogan’s early performance in the Arizona game was, I’m paraphrasing, “roster-worthy,” I was intrigued by Brian Griese’s instant resistance to Klis’ claim. I, apparently like the Broncos brain-trust, wasn’t dazzled by Hogan and so I view Allen’s addition as a positive one. MHR’s Joe Rowles broke down the logic of the move in his 10+ things we learned article from Sunday.

Enter Brandon Allen, who Elway claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Rams. The move makes sense for a number of reasons. Sean McVay’s offense is a 2nd or 3rd cousin of Rich Scangarello’s as both systems come from the original Mike Shanahan tree. Allen is also young enough to potentially grow into a long term backup for the Broncos.

On the defensive line, I was relieved to see that Mike Purcell made it. What was apparently obvious in camp and made clearer during preseason games, Purcell wanted it. His was a name that kept bubbling to the surface as someone with a real opportunity to pierce the roster bubble. How great is it that all that hard work paid off for him?

The first name I remember noticing during the Hall of Fame Game was Malik Reed. Reed, an undrafted free agent out of Nevada made his presence known immediately.

Even though Reed missed the friendly with the 49ers, he still managed to notch 4 preseason sacks for a combined 30-yards lost. While attention will rightfully be on other linebackers, it will be fun to see how he’ll be used going forward within Fangio’s defense.

Da’Vante Bausby made the roster the hard way. After stints with the Chiefs, Bears, Chiefs (again), Eagles, and a defunct AAF team, Bausby put in the work to turn enough heads to get him on the Broncos 53-man roster. We need more success stories for guys that refuse to give up in the face of adversity.

Lastly, it’s good to see Khalfani Muhammad back with the Broncos on the practice squad. While I understand it was just the preseason, watching him the other night against Arizona reminded me how much fun it is to watch running backs with that “extra gear” in open space. A fan can only hope that the practice squad stint gives him the time to develop the tools that could one day benefit him on the 53.

Now, with the roster mostly set, the question needs to be asked...

Are you ready for some football?

HORSE TRACKS

Broncos claim four players off waivers, sign seven players to practice squad
The Broncos can sign three more players to the team's practice squad.

Denver Broncos add Los Angeles Rams quarterback Brandon Allen
Denver Broncos acquired Los Angeles Rams quarterback Brandon Allen.

Broncos OC Rich Scangarello took 'an unheard of' path from NFL to small schools and back - Denver Broncos Blog- ESPN
First-year Broncos offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello lists Millsaps, Northern Arizona and Wagner on his résumé between NFL jobs.

Raiders news: Mike Mayock explains why Oakland cut veteran linebacker Brandon Marshall
Oakland Raiders general manager Mike Mayock explains why the team cut veteran linebacker Brandon Marshall after signing him in free agency.

Vikings swapping out punters, adding Britton Colquitt – ProFootballTalk
Kaare Vedvik didn't work out for the Vikings, and neither did Matt Wile apparently. The Vikings are swapping out punters, signing Britton Colquitt, the Star Tribune reports.

Texans “flatter” management structure falls flat on its face – ProFootballTalk
Saturday's whirlwind of transactions provided the first real test for Houston's new-look, no-G.M. front office. The grade for the "flatter" management structure: A big, fat F.

Matt Nagy: Eddy Pineiro will kick on Thursday night – ProFootballTalk
Bears head coach Matt Nagy wasn't willing to confirm that Eddy Pineiro would be the team's kicker on opening night when he spoke to reporters on Friday, but he did say it would be "a major concern if you go get somebody to come in here that has never kicked in here.

Ex-Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer visiting Colts - NFL.com
Veteran QB Brian Hoyer will visit the the Colts, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport report. The 33-year-old was released by the Patriots on Saturday and now could back up Jacoby Brissett in Indy.

Jags thin at RB behind Fournette as Blue hits IR
Jaguars running back Alfred Blue has been put on IR, leaving two rookies and a lightly used veteran to serve as Leonard Fournette's backups out of the backfield.

Rodgers on GB's offense -- 'A lot of room to grow'
Aaron Rodgers sounded like a quarterback trying to downplay expectations for the team's offense entering Week 1.

'I'm a Patriot' -- Pats change mind on undrafted WR
Undrafted free agent Gunner Olszewski was informed he made the Patriots just a few hours after the team told him he would be cut.

Panthers cut Torrey Smith after waiver claims
The Panthers released veteran wide receiver Torrey Smith after making waiver claims on Sunday. Running back Elijah Holyfield also was waived.

Source -- Steelers extend CB Haden on 2-year deal
Joe Haden and the Steelers agreed to a 2-year, $22 million extension that includes a $16.8 million signing bonus.

Chargers G.M.: No new contract for Melvin Gordon – ProFootballTalk
The Chargers' message to Melvin Gordon is simple: Either play for us or find a team that wants to trade for you, but stop asking us for more money. That was the message today from Chargers General Manager Tom Telesco, who told reporters that the Chargers will no longer negotiate with Gordon this ...

Brian Flores: I wouldn’t disrespect the game by tanking – ProFootballTalk
In March, Dolphins head coach Brian Flores strongly rejected the notion that the Dolphins were punting on being competitive during the 2019 season while working to build a stronger team for future seasons.

Seahawks re-sign Geno Smith – ProFootballTalk
The Seahawks have a backup quarterback. As expected, the team re-signed Geno Smith a day after releasing him from the roster. That move was a procedural one as the Seahawks were waiting for the Jadeveon Clowney trade to be processed and needed to hold onto Barkevious Mingo and Jacob Martin until ...

Dolphins reportedly trade Kiko Alonso to the Saints, continuing their roster overhaul - CBSSports.com
Miami continues to clean house during rebuild

Cowboys, Ezekiel Elliott rapidly closing in on new deal, announcement imminent, barring a setback - CBSSports.com
Cowboys, Ezekiel Elliott contract talks to end holdout are intensifying

Fletcher Cox set to start Week 1 for Eagles despite missing all of camp, preseason - CBSSports.com
The star defensive tackle underwent offseason surgery for a foot injury

LeSean McCoy reportedly finds new home with Chiefs, reuniting with former coach Andy Reid - CBSSports.com
After getting cut by the Bills, McCoy lands with a Super Bowl contender