Seven Broncos sat Week 1 out, opening unusual workload shifts for the backfield. Jaleel McLaughlin was inactive, prompting Tyler Badie to serve as the RB3 behind Dobbins and Harvey, and Badie drew six targets but only two receptions for 16 yards. Denver’s QBartooth Jarrett Stidham was active but did not play. The absence of Greenlaw and Adkins leaves room for future rotation adjustments as the Broncos head to Indianapolis for Week 2.

From a fantasy edge perspective, Badie’s six targets signal potential in passing-down situations if the RB3 role holds next week. Watch whether McLaughlin returns or if another back steps in, as the skew toward the passing game could lift Broncos’ non-elite RBs and any injury-motivated shifts carryover into Week 2 against the Colts.

Denver's Week 1 inactive list against Tennessee includes seven players: Dre Greenlaw, Nate Adkins, Jaleel McLaughlin, Que Robinson, Sai'vion Jones, Sam Ehlinger, and Frank Crum. McLaughlin being a healthy scratch opens a path for Tyler Badie as the third back behind J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey, a scenario fantasy managers should monitor as touches could shift if the game script favors Denver's ground game.

Ehlinger will dress as an emergency third quarterback per NFL rules, a reminder that Week 1 could feature a late-inning QB contingency. Meanwhile, the Broncos' depth at outside linebacker and DL signals a rotating early-season approach, with Robinson and Jones competing for roster-time shots.

Fantasy takeaway: prioritize backfield depth and opportunistic plays, especially if Badie receives elevated usage and Denver leans on short-yardage packages while Ehlinger stays mostly ceremonial in the quarterback rotation.

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's Week 1 roster features Frank Crum among a heavy OL fold, underscoring a plan anchored by size and upside. Payton highlighted three teams showed interest in Crum, signaling a potential trade asset even as he locks in a nine-deep O-line behind Bolles and McGlinchey. Crum, Wyoming alum, is slated as a primary swing tackle backup with a leg up from the Broncos' long-term vision. The unit remains anchored by Bolles, Powers, Wattenberg, Meinerz, and McGlinchey, with Crum, Palczewski, Peart, Forsyth shaping the depth.

Denver’s payoffs hinge on continuity and roster development, as McGlinchey noted the staff’s three-year process of identifying and deploying talent. The depth at tackle and guard suggests stability for Week 1, while Crum’s ceiling keeps fantasy watchers eyeing any development that could push him into meaningful snaps if injuries or performance shifts arise. The focus on OL depth also supports QB protection and run-game execution in early-season scenarios.

Frank Crum, a second-year offensive lineman for the Denver Broncos, is vying for a backup swing tackle position. Standing at 6'7" and 315 pounds, Crum had a notable college career at the University of Wyoming, where he earned All-Mountain West honors. Despite going undrafted in 2024, he was signed by his hometown team, the Broncos, as the top undrafted offensive tackle. Though his preseason performance wasn't stellar, he secured a spot on the 53-man roster, showcasing his potential in the NFL.

With limited active snaps last season, Crum's development will be crucial as the Broncos look to strengthen their offensive line. His college experience and local ties could provide him an edge, but he will need to prove himself against existing roster competition to earn playing time in the upcoming season.