The Broncos wrapped up their 2026 preseason with a 34-6 rout of the Vikings, and the final tune-up gave Denver plenty to sort through before Sunday’s 2 pm MDT roster deadline.
The night was especially kind to Sam Ehlinger, who recovered from an ugly interception and settled in to finish 15-of-20 for 233 yards and three touchdowns. His best throw might have been the 14-yard strike he fired across his body to a wide-open Schrader in the end zone.
Ehlinger then helped blow the game open even further with an 88-yard touchdown to a wide-open Justin Joly on busted coverage. With Jarrett Stidham having started ahead of him in every preseason game, Ehlinger still looks like a long shot to stick as a third quarterback, but Friday’s performance at least gave Sean Payton something to think about.
Schrader was every bit as useful, piling up 42 rushing yards on 13 carries while adding six catches for 90 yards and that touchdown. He showed the kind of versatility Denver can use - as a runner, a receiver and a blocker - even if his likely destination is the practice squad rather than the 53-man roster.
Not everyone helped their case. Barron’s preseason struggles continued, and Friday brought more missed tackles, shaky finishing and body language that didn’t exactly scream urgency.
He has not done nearly enough to lock down a job, and he may not even be ahead of Kris Abrams-Draine at this point. If that doesn’t change soon, Denver could move on quicker than expected.
The Broncos also had a scare with Marvin Mims Jr., who went up for a poor sideline throw from Jarrett Stidham, came down awkwardly on his foot and headed first to the medical tent and then to the locker room. Payton said Mims has a bruise and will be fine, which is the good news Denver needed.
Still, after a camp that already kept him out for much of the time, the latest setback is frustrating, especially with just over two weeks left before Week 1. It also adds another wrinkle to the roster picture, particularly with undrafted rookie Kolbe Katsis finishing his preseason with his best showing as a returner against Minnesota.
Now comes the hard part. Denver has to get from a crowded preseason roster to the final 53, and some of the players who flashed against the Vikings made the decision tougher, not easier.
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