The Broncos rode to a productive showing from the backups in their preseason tilt with the Cardinals, but the night will be remembered for a worrying knee injury to Nick Gargiulo, a seventh‑round rookie from South Carolina who spent 2024 on Denver’s practice squad and had been pushing for a roster spot this season. The injury, seen as potentially season‑ending, compounds Denver’s already lengthy injury report as the team continues to sort depth on the line. Veteran disruptions also loom with Matt Henningsen and Johnny Walker Jr. out for the year, while Drew Sanders and Nate Adkins are expected to miss the start of the season, thinning interior and tackle depth by design.

Fantasy and dynasty managers should take note of the ripple effects. Gargiulo’s loss tightens the competition for reserve OL jobs and could shift who gets late‑season opportunities or practice squad stashes. The Broncos will lean on the next‑man‑up group to absorb more reps in the weeks ahead, and the Cardinals game underscored how critical depth on the line becomes as the roster transitions from preseason depth to regular-season roles. Updates on Gargiulo’s prognosis will matter for late‑round picks and top backup targets alike.