Now that we know the Denver Broncos key starters won’t play in today’s game against the Arizona Cardinals, which players at a handful of position battles should you have your eyes on?

Denver Broncos position battles heating up vs. Arizona Cardinals

With J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey unlikely to play in tonight’s preseason matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, the entire running back room behind those names are going to be under the microscope as Sean Payton himself looks to see the position room unfold.

Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie, Audric Estime, and Blake Watson have the next audition to make the case for the 53-man roster. There’s a strong chance Denver carries four backs onto the 53, but preseason play combined with practice reps will detail the whole body of work that will help Payton and general manager George Paton make the best informed decision.

“You’re right where I’m at, and we don’t know yet,” Payton said. “If you recall, at the start of training camp I said we’re all going to know, and I hopefully am going to be right, but we all don’t know and it’s still a very competitive spot. Certainly if the drill is a drill where you can be tackled, that elevates a little bit the running back position because it’s hard to measure some of the gains out here. So the gains factor in a little bit more when you’re able to break a tackle or that type of thing. Then look, if it’s really close, is there one that does something better in the kicking game? But obviously, and you guys have asked the right questions, we’re not there yet. The good news is we still have 10, 11 days, and hopefully we can get there and we will all know.”

Badie and this group of backs will get different looks in the run game, passing game, and pass protection, and whoever puts together the strongest performance could elevate their chances to make the roster. This is the most important group we have our eyes on.

Denver Broncos defensive line depth set?

On paper, it seems like seven could be the magic number for the Broncos’ defensive line depth on the 53-man roster. We all know Zach Allen, D.J. Jones, Malcolm Roach, and John Franklin-Myers round out the top four, but there’s a strong case to be made for Jordan Jackson, Sai’vion Jones, and Eyioma Uwazurike to fulfill those key spots backing them up.

This number could ultimately be six if a player like Jackson, Jones, or Uwazurike proves they can excel at more than just one spot on the defensive line, whether that be playing a 5-technique, 3-technique, or even a 1-technique. All three defensive linemen are going to get extensive run in tonight’s game and will be under the microscope.

Could positional versatility impact Broncos tight end room without a fullback?

The Denver Broncos had two players on the roster who could play the fullback position for Sean Payton, but right now, Nate Adkins and Michael Burton aren’t going to be playing tonight.

Adkins had a tightrope surgery on his ankle and will miss some time going into the regular season, while Burton pulled up during Thursday’s joint practice with the Cardinals with a hamstring injury.

Enter Caden Prieskorn, who has suddenly emerged with confidence over the course of the last two weeks. He could play that fullback/tight end hybrid role for Payton’s offense with Adkins and Burton out, which could help elevate his stock for the roster ahead of cuts in just 11 days’ time.

Tonight’s game could see an extensive look at players like Prieskorn, Lucas Krull, and Caleb Lohner getting opportunities in this role throughout the night.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. MT on 9News.