Denver inventories an ACL setback for Nick Gargiulo after a preseason collision, sidelining a seventh-round rookie who had been pushing for a swing guard/center role. Sean Payton confirmed the season-ending injury to Gargiulo, compounding Denver’s alignment questions along the interior line. Gargiulo’s absence tightens the Broncos’ path to roster decisions and creates immediate depth concerns as cuts loom.

Meanwhile, the injury report also notes others not practicing, with Mathis listed as undisclosed but deemed fine by Payton. On the brighter side, Bonitto, Greenlaw, Perry, and Pickett returned to practice. Adkins’ ankle loss signals a potential waiver-wire search for a blocking tight end/fullback, and the Broncos may lean on depth pieces or a short-term add as they finalize roster plans.

The Denver Broncos are faced with tough roster decisions as they approach the preseason cuts. With a current roster of about 55 players vying for 18 spots, several candidates could be traded to simplify these choices. Top trade prospects include cornerback Damarri Mathis, who, despite impressive skills, may be overshadowed by stronger competition like Pat Surtain and Jahdae Barron. Running back Jaleel McLaughlin finds himself in a similar situation, as he competes with standout veterans J.K. Dobbins and R.J. Harvey. Other potential trade pieces include safety Devon Key, defensive lineman Jordan Jackson, and safety JL Skinner, all of whom are at risk of being cut due to a surplus at their respective positions. As the Broncos gear up for their preseason opener against the San Francisco 49ers, expect trade buzz to escalate in the lead-up to the final roster deadline.

The Denver Broncos are shaping up a formidable defensive squad, with the secondary highlighted by the stellar play of Pat Surtain II, last year's Defensive Player of the Year. This depth across the defensive unit complicates roster decisions, particularly for fringe players. Among them is cornerback Damarri Mathis, who had a promising start as a fourth-round pick but has seen his performance decline. The Broncos should consider trading him along with other depth players rather than just releasing them.

As the Denver Broncos prepare for another season, Damarri Mathis is fighting to secure his spot on the roster as a defensive back. The 5-11, 195-pound athlete has steadily improved since his collegiate days at Pittsburgh, where he made notable strides in his tackling and interception skills. Selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Mathis’ performance in training camp will be critical as he competes for a roster spot.

Mathis began his college career with limited action, but by his senior year, he had racked up impressive statistics, including 44 tackles and two interceptions. Now, as he shares a jersey number with fellow Bronco running back J.K. Dobbins, the question arises: Who will change their number if both make the final cut? This season could be pivotal for Mathis as he carves out his role within a revamped Broncos' defense under new leadership.

J.K. Dobbins, the Denver Broncos' sixth-year running back, is eager to leave his injury troubles behind. Having shared the No. 27 jersey during the offseason with cornerback Damarri Mathis, Dobbins's journey began with a promising rookie season with the Baltimore Ravens, where he tallied 805 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. However, his progress was halted by a torn ACL in 2021, keeping him out for a full season. Last year, he played in eight games, recording 520 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately, his 2023 season was cut short after just one game due to another injury. Dobbins hopes to reclaim his form and contribute significantly to the Broncos in the upcoming season.