Denver's preseason rhythm gets a jolt as Sean Payton reshapes practice after a game, opting to rest most starters against Arizona while locking in a compressed schedule. The plan returns to a more normal cadence this Sunday, with pads scheduled for midweek and a clear focus on evaluating the roster before the Aug. 23 finale against New Orleans. Payton underscored the need to push toward a traditional rhythm while avoiding complaints, signaling a deliberate shift toward postgame prep and roster clarity as Denver edges toward final cuts.

The Broncos will resume full practice with eyes on finalizing a 53-man roster after the Saints game, and the upcoming sequence—Sunday practice, Monday off, Tuesday-and-Wednesday pads—frames the path to cutdowns. With two joint practices in the rearview, Denver aims to balance rest with sharpness, using the Saints tilt as a final preseason barometer before decisions lock in for Week 1 prep.

Fantasy-minded followers should monitor which backups seize opportunity during this stretch. The shifted schedule can elevate emerging depth players who pop in practice reps or preseason snaps, while starters rest and channel focus toward staying sharp when real games count. The Saints trip represents a tangible test for Denver's evaluation phase, as Payton pares the roster to 53 and fine-tunes the depth chart ahead of the regular season.