When it comes to roster decisions, the NFL remains as sympathetic as a parking ticket. The sobering reality of how difficult it is to make the team was driven home Saturday. The NFL mandated clubs set their 53-man rosters by 2 p.m. Saturday.
For the Broncos, that means bidding goodbye -- at least temporarily -- to some names fans recognize. It's worth noting that this season is different. The league expanded the practice squad to 16 players, including six with no maximum of accrued seasons, and a team can protect four players each week from being poached. Also, the injured reserve designation has changed. Unlimited players can return from the list after three weeks, meaning a player with an hamstring injury, for example, could find himself in this spot.
These new wrinkles provide a safety net, but don't prevent tough decisions. For the Broncos, they began at cornerback on Saturday as De'Vante Bausby was released. A candidate to start at nickel back for an injury appeared to slow him in camp, Bausby lost out in his bid to make the with the emergence of draft pick Michael Ojemudia and undrafted free agent Essang Bassey.
The Broncos could bring Bausby back to the practice squad, as many of Saturday's cuts will land there.
Among those let go were former CSU star Josh Watson (pictured), who should land back on practice squad, and one-time CU receiver Juwann Winfree, who was undermined by injuries.
Here is the Denver7 tracker of the cuts confirmed. There could be waiver claims, but roster is at 53 now. Broncos general manager general manager John Elway and coach Vic Fangio are scheduled to meet the media at 1:30 p.m. to discuss the final roster:
LB Todd Davis
LB Josh Watson
OLB Justin Hollins
OLB Derrek Tuszka
OLB Malik Carney
S P.J. Locke
S Alijah Holder
S Douglas Coleman III
CB DeVante Bausby
DT DeShawn Williams
QB Brett Rypien
C Patrick Morris
WR Trinity Benson
WR Kendall Hinton
WR Juwann Winfree
WR Fred Brown
WR Cody White
TE Troy Fumagalli
TE Austin Fort (injured reserve)
RB LeVante Bellamy
FB Jeremy Cox
OT Jake Rodgers
OT Tyler Jones
OT Hunter Watts
OT Darrin Paulo
OT Quinn Bailey
