The Denver Broncos have released their updated depth chart ahead of a Monday Night Football showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season (Sept. 14).
Despite coming straight from the team, the Broncos still call it an "unofficial" depth chart, so it should perhaps be taken with a grain of salt. Additionally, the depth chart only includes players from the 53-man roster. However, the club's 17-player practice squad features several candidates to be elevated to the game-day roster (and some of them will eventually be fully promoted to the active roster).
So, we're sharing a projected hybrid depth chart that includes practice squad players in brackets. Note that this is a projection from Broncos Wire, not an official ("unofficial")
depth chart from the club.
Broncos' depth chart with practice squad players
Quarterback (3)
- QB1: Bo Nix
- QB2: Jarrett Stidham
- QB3: Sam Ehlinger
Sam Ehlinger makes the 53. Denver was worried Ehlinger would join another club's active roster if they attempted to bump him down to the practice squad like they did in 2025.
Running back (5)
- RB1: J.K. Dobbins
- RB2: RJ Harvey
- RB3: Jonah Coleman
- RB4: Tyler Badie
- RB5: [Cody Schrader]
Tyler Badie is a talented pass blocker and skilled receiver out of the backfield, but Jonah Coleman gets the nod as RB3. Cody Schrader provides additional depth on the practice squad.
Wide receiver (9)
- WR: Courtland Sutton, Pat Bryant, [Dane Key]
- WR: Jaylen Waddle, Lil'Jordan Humphrey, [Kolbe Katsis]
- WR: Marvin Mims, Troy Franklin, [Michael Bandy]
Marvin Mims is listed as a starter, but Pat Bryant seems more likely to receive the third-most targets behind Courtland Sutton and Jaylen Waddle in 2026. Michael Bandy, Kolbe Katsis and Dane Key provide additional practice squad depth.
Tight end/fullback (5)
- TE1: Evan Engram
- TE2: Adam Trautman
- TE3: Nate Adkins
- TE4: Dallen Bentley
- FB: [Adam Prentice]
Fullback Adam Prentice didn't make the initial 53, but he can be elevated from the practice squad to the game-day roster up to three times. He should be fully promoted to the active roster at some point.
Offensive line (12)
- LT: Garett Bolles, Matt Peart, [Tyler Miller]
- LG: Ben Powers, Kage Casey, [Gavin Ortega]
- C: Luke Wattenberg, Alex Forsyth
- RG: Quinn Meinerz, [Calvin Throckmorton]
- RT: Mike McGlinchey, Alex Palczewski
Alex Palczewski is probably the top backup for both guard spots and right tackle. Calvin Throckmorton provides practice squad depth at both guard and center while Tyler Miller and Gavin Ortego are long-term developmental linemen.
Defensive line (7)
- DE: Zach Allen, Jordan Jackson, Tyler Onyedim
- NT: D.J. Jones, Sai'vion Jones
- DE: Malcolm Roach, Eyioma Uwazurike
The Broncos are carrying seven defensive linemen on the active roster, so it's not too surprising that there aren't any defensive linemen currently on the practice squad. Denver's deep up front.
Outside linebacker (6)
- OLB: Nik Bonitto, Que Robinson, [Johnny Walker]
- OLB: Jonah Elliss, Dondrea Tillman, [David Agoha]
Jonathon Cooper was placed on the commissioner's exempt list in August. Cooper can't practice or play in games until the NFL makes an updated ruling on his roster status. In the meantime, Denver still has strong depth at the position with Johnny Walker and international pass rusher David Agoha on the practice squad.
Inside linebacker (5)
- LB: Alex Singleton, Jordan Turner, [Red Murdock]
- LB: Justin Strnad, Karene Reid, [Red Murdock]
Denver went with Karene Reid and Jordan Turner as the backup inside linebackers. They also brought seventh-round draft pick Red Murdock back on the practice squad.
Cornerback (7)
- CB1: Pat Surtain, Jahdae Barron
- CB2: Riley Moss, Kris Abrams-Draine, [Sean Fresch]
- Nickel: Ja’Quan McMillian, Jahdae Barron, [Brent Austin]
From one to five, this is arguably the best cornerback room in the NFL. The Broncos have great depth at the position, and Sean Fresch and Brent Austin are also available on the practice squad.
Safety (7)
- S: Brandon Jones, Devon Key, [Miles Scott]
- S: Talanoa Hufunga, [Taylor Rapp], JL Skinner, Tycen Anderson
Taylor Rapp will likely be fully promoted to the active roster once he gets up to speed, and seventh-round draft pick Miles Scott provides additional practice squad depth.
Special teams
- K: Wil Lutz
- P: Jeremy Crawshaw
- LS: [Mitchell Fraboni]
- PR: Marvin Mims, Riley Moss
- KR: Marvin Mims, Tyler Badie, RJ Harvey
Marvin Mims continues to have a key role in the return game, which could be another sign of an expanded role for Pat Bryant on offense. Mitchell Fraboni is currently on the practice squad, but he will be elevated to the game-day roster and eventually fully promoted to the active roster.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Broncos' projected depth chart with practice squad players included
