The Denver Broncos' second preseason game will be a pivotal point in the offseason, as several players are still trying to secure a spot on this year's roster.
The Broncos have heard a lot about the running back position, and that will continue throughout the preseason, as there is a stiff competition ongoing there. However, there are players who need to get something going in a positive direction on Saturday night against Arizona to increase their chances of sticking around.
Each of these players is sitting directly on the cut line, at best, but more than one of them would likely not be on the final roster if that list of 53 players were due today. Can any of them do something to change their fate?
Audric Estime, RB
You could just as easily have Jaleel McLaughlin in this spot, but Audric Estime seems to be the one closer to being pushed off the roster by either Tyler Badie or Blake Watson.
Estime was given the most carries of any running back in last week's preseason opener against San Francisco and he was by far the least effective. Despite being just 21 years old and a fifth-round pick last year, the odds are starting to look stacked against him.
Eyioma Uwazurike, DL
The season-ending injury suffered by Matt Henningsen opens the door a little more for Eyioma Uwazurike to stand out and show that he still belongs on this team. But if you figure that five spots on the defensive line may already be pretty much locked up (Zach Allen, D.J. Jones, John Franklin-Myers, Sai'vion Jones, Malcolm Roach), then you have to assume that there isn't much room left.
If the Broncos keep six defensive linemen, the last spot probably comes down to either Uwazurike or Jordan Jackson.
Lucas Krull, TE
Lucas Krull caught a touchdown pass against the 49ers last week, but he's been less than impressive across his tenure in Denver. With the news that Nate Adkins is going to miss the start of the regular season, at least, with an ankle injury, Krull's chances of being kept around at least until he returns greatly increased.
However, it also increases the chances that Sean Payton will keep seventh-round pick Caleb Lohner in favor of Krull, not wanting to expose him to waivers and continue to develop him in Denver.
READ: Broncos' starting CB named as potential trade target
Damarri Mathis, CB
It's hard to imagine Damarri Mathis being part of the 53-man roster, but it is still possible. Instead, the Broncos should look for a trade partner for their former fourth-round pick.
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