Denver worked out Deuce Vaughn, a 23-year-old Cowboys alum, as Week 1 nears. Vaughn, at 5-6, 185 pounds, appeared in 14 games over two seasons with 40 carries for 110 yards and 10 receptions for 58 yards. His speed stands out, but his size limits his NFL ceiling. Denver could view him as a change-of-pace, gadget option and valuable special-teams asset behind a four-man backfield. Payton has praised Darren Sproles-type players, hinting Vaughn could fit that mold if he lands on the practice squad. The Broncos released Quinton Newsome during the workout and remain open to adding Vaughn to bolster depth.

Denver may bring Blake Watson back on the practice squad after an injury settlement, a move that hinges on a three-week waiting period. If healthy, he could be eligible for a Week 3 re-signing ahead of Denver’s clash with the Chargers. Watson’s preseason output (18 carries, 75 yards, 10 receptions, 50 yards) suggests depth but little immediate fantasy upside until a promotion occurs.

Watson, a Memphis product who signed with Denver as an undrafted free agent in 2024, faces procedural hurdles before a return. The Broncos’ interest signals they value his potential as a developmental depth piece; fantasy managers should monitor the rehab timeline and any elevation opportunities later in the season.

Karene Reid earned a spot on Denver's 53-man roster as the latest undrafted free agent to crack the active squad, extending a Broncos tradition of UDFA selections for 21 of the last 22 years. Reid’s preseason numbers—five solo tackles, a fumble recovery, an interception, and a pass deflection—caught the eye of Sean Payton, who labeled Reid a draftable player. He projects as a potential middle-linebacker option and a key special-teams contributor should injuries strike the linebacking corps.

Reid’s rise came as Levelle Bailey and Jordan Turner were released, opening a path for him while continuing Denver’s UDFA pipeline. The Broncos had three UDFA on the initial roster in 2024—Levelle Bailey, Frank Crum, and Blake Watson—with Crum returning to the roster in 2025. If Alex Singleton or Dre Greenlaw miss time, Reid would be next man up in the middle, underscoring Denver’s ongoing trust in undrafted talent to fill depth roles and bolster overall roster versatility.

Denver Broncos cut to 53 but six players remain on the bubble for a return via the practice squad. The waiver wire window will decide whether Blake Watson, Clay Webb, Joaquin Davis, Levelle Bailey, Calvin Throckmorton, and Courtney Jackson come back to Denver or land elsewhere. If unclaimed, the team can stash them for development behind a young, improving roster.

Watson could rejoin a crowded backfield, Webb offers an intriguing OL ceiling, Davis has WR upside with prototypical size, Bailey adds linebacker depth, Throckmorton provides veteran versatility on the line, and Jackson could re-enter the receiver group. Monitoring waivers today is essential for fantasy dynasty and DFS implications.

In short, Denver hedges risk with practice-squad options that could pay dividends down the line as injuries and opportunities arise this season.

Denver’s backfield was shaken up as Audric Estime was waived, opening a door for RJ Harvey, J.K. Dobbins, and a pack of challengers—Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie and Blake Watson—to battle for touches. The move reinforces a committee approach in a crowded room, with preseason pecking orders likely to shape Week 1 expectations. Fantasy players should monitor Harvey’s burst, Dobbins’ workload, and the depth players for late-round upside.

Estime’s departure narrows the path for a fifth-round Notre Dame pick, while the Broncos add a veteran in Dobbins who could anchor early-down duties if healthy. Harvey and McLaughlin offer speed and change-of-pace capabilities, Badie and Watson provide depth and return-game potential, and the whole group signals a multi-headed Denver attack that could sap single-back fantasy ceilings in 2025.