DENVER — As the Broncos prepare for their final preseason game, there’s still plenty on the line.
Denver must trim its 80-player rosters to 53 players by Tuesday at 2 p.m. MT, and there’s likely still a handful of roster spots up for grabs.
The Broncos’ starters aren’t expected to play, but several players in the thick of position battles will suit up in hopes of proving they deserve a place on the initial 53-man roster.
The game may not count, but it does matter — and here are four of the top questions that will be front of mind on Saturday:
WHO GAINS THE EDGE IN THE BACKUP QUARTERBACK DERBY?
After Josh Johnson started the first two preseason games, Brett Rypien will receive his chance to state his case for the backup quarterback spot.
Rypien, who completed less than 50 percent of his passes against the Cowboys, rebounded nicely against the Bills to complete 22-of-26 passes for 191 yards, one touchdown and a 110.1 quarterback rating.
“I think both of those guys have done a good job, and I think ‘Ryp’ has earned an opportunity to go the first half,” Hackett said earlier this week. “I think he had a really good game last week. He’s improved. Again, we’re looking for consistency from that position. It’s not saying that Josh hasn’t done good, because he’s done a fine job. We just want to make sure we give both those guys [a chance] because they’ve been working so hard and pushing each other. That competition is a great one. We want to make sure the guys that deserve that opportunity get it.”
Rypien will aim to make a final push against Johnson — who has completed 24-of-39 passes for 242 yards for two touchdowns and a 96.3 rating — as the Broncos look for which player can be most consistent.
“You want to be sure that they’re going out there, executing the plan, understanding when we want to change plays or keep the same play on, understanding the progressions and all those things, and making good decisions,” Hackett said Thursday. “To this point, they have made some…
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