Broncos sign Thayer Thomas to the practice squad and cut Quinton Newsome as the roster moves unfold ahead of Week 1. Thomas, undrafted in 2023 from NC State, spent two seasons on Minnesota’s practice squad and has yet to record an NFL catch. He’s described as a ball-tracker with good contested catches and run-after-catch ability, offering Denver a mid-range, versatile option who could contribute in the return game if elevated.

Denver’s WR depth remains fluid after 53-man cuts, with Michael Bandy and A.T. Perry back on the practice squad and Payton reiterating that the roster isn’t settled yet. The staff is weighing fit, vision, and special-teams impact as the offense is rebuilt, and Tuesday’s workouts with a cadre of players underscored the constant adjustments before the opener.

Denver hosted seven players for workouts on Tuesday to bolster backfield, receiver, and tight end depth while trimming Quinton Newsome from the practice squad to open a spot. The visitor list features Tyrion Davis-Price and Deuce Vaughn at running back; Bryson Green, Samori Toure, and Thayer Thomas at wide receiver; Messiah Swinson and Cole Turner at tight end. The session underscores Denver's search for versatile depth ahead of a crowded AFC West slate and its ongoing practice-squad shuffling.

Justin Jefferson returned to practice for the first time in 25 days, but only in warmups and individual drills as Minnesota continues to manage his left hamstring. With a Week 1 date against Chicago looming and the Vikings’ wideout corps unsettled, Jefferson’s health is a cornerstone for fantasy projections. Jordan Addison will miss the first three games due to a suspension, lifting Jefferson’s early-season workload while Nailor recovers from a hand injury. Minnesota’s WR mix—veterans Tim Jones, Lucky Jackson and Thayer Thomas plus rookie Tai Felton—will be leaned on more heavily while Addison sits out.

Jefferson’s comments about wanting to be “in the mix” highlight his commitment, but the team’s cautious approach remains intact. Nailor’s status is listed as week-to-week, with surgery possibly on the table, leaving the Vikings to navigate a rotation that could elevate Jefferson’s target share early but also raises volatility for the offense. The Titans in the preseason finale and Chicago in Week 1 frame a rough but telling path for Minnesota’s passing game as it eyes elevated opportunities for its star and a deeper, perhaps more unpredictable, receiving corps.