The Denver Broncos will conclude their NFL Preseason schedule tonight as they face the Los Angeles Rams. Who are some players that Broncos fans should watch for?
Players to watch for as the Denver Broncos take on the Los Angeles Rams
Various players will compete tonight to make a stronger case for themselves ahead of the team finalizing their 53-man roster next week. Which players on offense or defense will help further their case or need to make a case?
Albert Okwuegbunam
The Denver Broncos need as many receiving threats as they can with Jerry Jeudy’s latest injury. Albert Okwuegbunam has been impressive during the team’s offseason, dating back to OTAs.
During joint practices with the Los Angeles Rams, he hauled in three touchdown catches from Jarrett Stidham in two days. During the preseason, he hasn’t had much of an opportunity to make plays due to some of the offense’s struggles.
Last week against the 49ers, he was open for several plays downfield, but Ben DiNucci wasn’t able to see him or didn’t have time to get the ball to him.
If Okwuegbunam has a big performance against the Rams this evening, he could help solidify a spot on the roster even though Adam Trautman and Greg Dulcich are considered primary options at the tight end position.
Marvin Mims
Marvin Mims roster spot is locked up heading into the regular season. According to Sean Payton, he’s a player to watch tonight against the Rams because he’s expected to receive plenty of playing time.
“It’s good to have him getting all these practice snaps and these punts returns,” Payton said regarding Mims on Thursday. “He’ll play quite a bit on Saturday.”
With Jeudy’s injury, Mims could see an accelerated role on offense. He had several big plays during some team’s 11-on-11 period against the Rams this past week.
Denver may be forced to rely more on the rookie at the start of the season if Jeudy’s injury holds him out of action in Week 1.
Brandon Johnson is another name that could be featured here as a player to watch. He missed the team’s first two preseason games after suffering an ankle injury during practice a few weeks ago.
Johnson returned earlier this week and has been re-acclimating himself inside of the offense.
Jaleel McLaughlin
Let’s be real here: Jaleel McLaughlin should make the active roster. He doesn’t have much to prove in tonight’s matchup against the Rams, but he can put to bed any questions surrounding his status with another strong performance.
Initially, to start training camp, McLaughlin competed with Tyler Badie for the team’s RB3 job. Badie missed the second preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers but will return tonight.
McLaughlin’s impressive display of three touchdowns in two preseason games, plus a massive return on special teams, will be hard to derail.
It would be risky to hit waivers without another team stealing him.
Broncos fans can expect to see more from the undrafted rookie speedster tonight.
With starters not expected to play, much of the roster will look to make strong final impressions. Even if some players don’t make the 53-man roster, they’ll still compete for a spot on the team’s practice squad or opportunities on other teams.
When is kickoff?
Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. MT at Empower Field at Mile High. Fans unable to attend the game can watch it on NFL Network or locally on 9News.