The Denver Broncos closed their preseason schedule with a decisive 34-6 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Friday, a final tune-up that highlighted several players fighting for remaining roster spots while most starters rested.
Backup performances may influence final cuts
With the bulk of Denver’s regulars sitting out, the game served as a proving ground for backups and undrafted hopefuls. The Broncos rolled through the contest, producing long drives and big plays even without their primary personnel on the field. The final score was built largely on the contributions of reserve skill players and situational specialists.
- Final score: Denver 34, Minnesota 6
- Notable performer: Running back Cody Schrader — 132 total yards and a touchdown
- Quarterback reps: Jarrett Stidham started and played several drives before giving way to other options
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Denver | 10 | 10 | 0 | 14 | 34 |
Denver struck first with a 43-yard field goal by Wil Lutz and sustained enough drives to build a comfortable lead by halftime. Jarrett Stidham provided steady game management during his time on the field, completing drives that included a 26-yard catch-and-run by tight end Nate Adkins. The Broncos’ ball control and situational play-calling kept Minnesota’s offense off balance.
Standouts push for roster spots
Running back Cody Schrader emerged as the most prominent beneficiary of the night’s increased playing time. He totaled 132 yards from scrimmage — including 42 rushing yards and 90 receiving yards — and scored a touchdown on a broken-play reception that saw him wide open downfield. That performance, coming in a game where many roster decisions are effectively set, nonetheless complicates the Broncos’ decisions ahead of cut day.
Other performances of note included Tyler Badie, who logged multiple effective carries and helped sustain a key second-quarter drive, and tight end Nate Adkins, who made plays in the passing game to convert third downs. Several young receivers and running backs also got looks that could matter for practice-squad considerations or depth roles.
“Make us spin the chair,”
Coach Sean Payton used a familiar phrase at halftime and again after the game, urging players to deliver attention-grabbing performances that force evaluators to change their minds. Schrader’s night, in particular, was the kind of showing Payton referenced.
Context and implications for Denver
Although preseason finales often feature conservative play and limited action from starters, the Broncos’ dominant execution against Minnesota gives the Denver coaching staff data points for final roster decisions. Several players who did not see the field — a sign they are likely secure — include wide receiver Pat Bryant and rookie running back Jonah Coleman, both of whom the coaching staff apparently views as locked into roles.
For local fans, the victory offers momentum heading into the regular season opener against Kansas City. It also raises questions about who will fill the depth roles behind Denver’s starters, an important consideration given injuries that can arise over a long season. The strong performances from backups mean the Broncos enter the cut-down period with additional options to consider for the 53-man roster and practice squad.
As Denver finalizes its roster, the coaching staff will weigh game film from this finale alongside practices and prior preseason performances. While preseason success does not guarantee a roster spot — as recent history of surprising cuts shows — standout nights like Schrader’s typically earn coaches’ attention and could alter bubble players’ fates.
The Broncos now turn their focus to next week’s Week 1 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, where the regular-season narrative will begin in earnest.
