Denver adds cornerback depth by signing Micah Abraham ahead of Week 2 preseason against Arizona. Abraham, who spent time with the Colts and Bengals and most recently played for the St. Louis BattleHawks, has yet to play in an NFL regular-season game. With Reese Taylor sidelined by injury and Gregory Junior joining Sunday before suffering a hamstring issue in practice, Denver needs an option in the secondary as starters rest.

Abraham could debut as soon as Saturday if he clears the roster process, offering a potential pathway to the practices/roster battle for Denver’s CB depth. The Broncos designated Junior as waived/injured, which could lead to an IR stay if he clears waivers, further clarifying the competition for depth pieces as Denver aims to minimize risk in the secondary heading into the regular season.

In a preseason setting, this signing signals Denver’s urgency to test options behind the injured players and evaluate whether Abraham can contribute in coverage or special teams. The Cardinals looms as the next test, giving Abraham a real chance to debut and push for a spot on the 53-man roster beyond speculative depth.

Eight Broncos did not dress for the preseason opener, a 30-9 win at San Francisco. The absences included Michael Burton, Reese Taylor, Drew Sanders, Nate Adkins, Alex Singleton, A.T. Perry and Matt Henningsen, with Henningsen later revealed to have torn his Achilles in joint practice and will miss the 2025 season. Dre Greenlaw sat out for San Francisco with a quad, while Greenlaw’s teammates returned to practice next week and Singleton is expected to be ready for Week 1 after a healing thumb. Denver’s next test arrives at home vs Arizona on Aug. 16.

Fantasy-minded readers should note that Henningsen’s injury opens a clearer path for Broncos’ interior defenders, while Burton’s absence could push depth players into fuller blocking and goal-line duty. Perry’s and Adkins’ statuses suggest the Broncos may lean on youth and versatility at pass-catching and will watch minutes behind the starter-heavy trio. San Francisco’s defense may be without Greenlaw early, potentially lifting opportunities for Denver’s ancillary backs and tight ends in subsequent joint practices and exhibitions.

Denver’s 91-man offseason roster faces a tight sprint to a 53-man limit, with five players on the roster bubble as preseason opens. Tyler Badie is the marquee name among the bubble backs, needing a bigger role to dislodge Jaleel McLaughlin or Blake Watson if Denver sticks with four running backs; a healthy return from a back injury raises his upside. Caleb Lohner, a seventh-rounder at tight end, must beat out Lucas Krull and Caden Prieskorn for a spot, or land on the practice squad. Joaquin Davis has flashed in camp and gets his live-game chance tonight, while Jordan Jackson and Reese Taylor must show they belong in a crowded DL and CB room. The chatter extends to Damarri Mathis, where Denver could swap theCB depth via a trade or cut, potentially opening a path for Taylor. Audric Estime remains in the mix, but the math around roster spots is anything but settled. The sequence after this week’s 49ers game is Cardinals, then Saints, crafting a small but meaningful window for fantasy managers to gauge Week 1 upside based on depth-chart shifts and injury luck.

Reese Taylor, a promising young defensive back for the Denver Broncos, continues to make a case for a roster spot after spending time on the practice squad. Standing at 5'9" and weighing 188 pounds, Taylor showcased his versatility during his college career at Indiana, where he not only played defense but also contributed on offense and special teams. His strong performance included a total of 67 tackles, two sacks, and two interceptions over three seasons. After transferring to Purdue, he added 34 tackles in his final season before being signed as an undrafted free agent by the Chiefs and later the Broncos.

With head coach Sean Payton's affinity for versatile players, Taylor will be competing hard to secure a place on the main roster. His skills as both a defender and a returner make him a valuable asset, although making the 53-man roster remains a challenge. He was activated for just one game in 2023, but with continued development and strong performances in practice, fans will be watching closely to see if he can solidify his spot in the upcoming season.

Deebo Samuel, known for his versatility on the field, reflects on his journey from Spartanburg, South Carolina, to the NFL, emphasizing the strong bond he formed with his coaches, particularly Kyle Shanahan. His recent trade to the Washington Commanders marks a new chapter, despite the bittersweet nostalgia of leaving the San Francisco 49ers, where he enjoyed significant success, including Super Bowl appearances.

Samuel recalls overcoming injuries during college and the encouragement of his family and coaches that propelled him into the league. He acknowledges the challenges and demands of the NFL, highlighting the camaraderie with teammates and the unique culture of the 49ers locker room. He expresses gratitude for his experiences and the fans, showcasing his readiness to contribute to a new team.