Roach's calf strain sidelines him for at least four games, forcing Denver to lean on Jordan Jackson and Eyioma Uwazurike for early-season interior disruption. The Broncos promoted Sam Ehlinger to the 53-man roster as an emergency No. 3 quarterback, ensuring depth on game days without counting toward the active roster. Adam Prentice and Levelle Bailey were elevated from the practice squad to bolster fullback and linebacker depth ahead of Week 1 against Tennessee, while SF's injury to Dre Greenlaw looms as a defensive angle for fantasy managers.

Denver's early-season path leans on improved DL rotation, with Roach out and Jackson/Uwazurike stepping up. Ehlinger’s return adds a mobile quarterback option in emergency scenarios, and Prentice Bailey provides insurance at crucial HB/LB spots. Week 1 becomes a test of depth, roster construction, and adaptive game plans as the Broncos navigate Roach's absence and SF's defensive matchup.

Broncos set up a 17-player practice-squad path for Week 1. Sam Ehlinger lands as QB3 on the practice squad, choosing Denver over other rosters to stay in Sean Payton’s quarterback room. No running backs land on the practice squad, leaving J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey, Tyler Badie and Jaleel McLaughlin on the 53-man roster. Adam Prentice is the visible fullback on the practice squad with trip-waiver elevation flexibility. All seven 2025 draftees are under contract, Caleb Lohner among them. A 17th international spot goes to Patrick Murtagh, adding a developmental tight end.

The Broncos also trimmed undrafted WRs, signing A.T. Perry and Michael Bandy while Jerjuan Newton, Kyrese Rowan and others remained free agents. Levelle Bailey and Calvin Throckmorton were notable return-cuts, though Throckmorton can be recalled from the practice squad. Denver added Jordan Turner and Garret Wallow back to the practice group and kept Karene Reid on the active roster, signaling a flexible, development-heavy approach for 2025.

Denver's 90-man preseason roster is set after a week of moves: Gargiulo to injured reserve, Prentice signed at fullback, Dwumfour added on the defensive line, Brown waived, and Vele traded to the Saints. Week 3 game prep and looming 53-man cuts shape how depth talent will be valued.

From a fantasy lens, Prentice could surface in red-zone and goal-line sets, Dwumfour may chip in as interior pressure, and Vele's exit could open targets for Sutton and Mims with Perry and Jackson vying for snaps. The Saints gain a speedy addition, while Denver tightens its depth ahead of the season’s start.

Sean Payton’s Denver rebuild leans Saints. Ten former Saints coaches and staff plus eight players are in Denver, highlighted by A.T. Perry, Adam Trautman, Lucas Krull, Michael Burton, Adam Prentice, Malcolm Roach, Jordan Jackson, and Wil Lutz. The preseason finale with New Orleans doubles as a Saints reunion and a live lab for Payton’s system as rosters shake out next week.

A speed edge at receiver and a two‑TE look shape the Broncos’ offense, with Perry’s burst, Trautman/Krull’s versatility, and Prentice/Burton in backfield/goal-line roles. Lutz provides kicking stability while Roach/Jackson threaten rotational DL depth. The Saints‑to‑Broncos pipeline nudges fantasy lenses toward TE and K floor potential, and depth chart moves post-cuts will amplify the intrigue.