Broncos makes their first round of preseason cuts, trim roster to 85 players

Unfortunately, the toughest part of preseason football has begun.

The Denver Broncos trimmed their roster on Tuesday afternoon, making five cuts to get down to the 85-man limit mandated by the NFL. A much larger cut will take place at the end of August, when the final 53-man roster and practice squad are set.

Head coach Nathaniel Hackett said he’d meet individually with each of the five guys the team let go. It’s a nice gesture, but their NFL dreams are potentially over. Here’s who he and Broncos GM George Paton dismissed:

• Max Borghi, running back (Washington State)
• Kaden Davis, wide receiver (NW Missouri State)
• Travis Fulgham, wide receiver (Old Dominion)
• Jamar Johnson, safety (Indiana)
• Rodney Williams, tight end (Tennessee-Martin)

Borghi was a former high school star at Pomona, but lasted fewer than two weeks with the Broncos. Davis was known for being the first player out at training camp every morning. Fulgham had one catch for 11 yards against Dallas in the first preseason game. Johnson led Denver in tackles with seven total against the Cowboys. Williams received a $20,000 signing bonus and $110,000 guaranteed as an undrafted free agent, so his release was a bit of a surprise.

The Broncos have two preseason games left to evaluate the rest of their roster. First up is this Saturday in Buffalo, followed by an August 27 home date with the Vikings. The Broncos will then have 16 days between games before they finally kickoff the regular season on Monday, September 12 in Seattle.

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