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    These Broncos Have the Most to Lose in Preseason Game 1 vs. Cardinals

    As the Denver Broncos approach their first preseason game, which players have the most to gain and the most to lose?

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    Denver Broncos
    Denver Broncos

    Football is back, even if it's only the preseason. Soon the Denver Broncos will be facing off against the Arizona Cardinals. While standing out in training camp is a good start for players, finding ways to shine in preseason games is how they finish what was started. 

    Multiple Broncos have had a great start to camp, and now it's time to show it with Denver's first preseason game coming on Friday. Many players have a lot to gain if they can produce a strong showing in Arizona. 

    On the flip side, some Broncos have failed to stand out in camp, and if they don't turn it around, they have a lot to lose. 

    There are a couple of players who won't play on Friday night due to injury. We're going to break down the stakes for those players, too.

    Which players have the most to lose, and gain, in the Broncos' first preseason game? 

    Let's examine. 

    Nik Bonitto | OLB

    Denver Bronco outside line backer Nik Bonitto (42) during rookie mini camp drills at UCHealth Training Center.

    This is a tremendous training camp and preseason for Bonitto. So far, he's been impressive in practice, beating up on every tackle he has faced. 

    Bonitto has been more impressive than he was as a rookie, which makes sense, but he had his moments as a rookie in camp, too. The issue was how he faded when the games started. 

    Bonitto can secure himself as the third pass rusher in the Broncos' rotation if he can carry over his excellent practices to these games. 

    Baron Browning | OLB

    Baron Browning

    Unfortunately, Browning is dealing with yet another injury in his young career and is yet to participate in camp. He missed a lot of time as a rookie with injuries, which was followed by multiple injuries last season, and now will miss the start of the 2023 campaign. 

    With Browning not getting on the field, he could be losing his spot as the third rusher in the rotation, especially with how impressive some of the other pass rushers have been, including the aforementioned Bonitto. 

    Jonathan Harris | DL

    Denver Broncos defensive tackle Jonathan Harris (92) greets fans after training camp at Centura Health Training Center.

    Harris has been mentioned a lot since camp started for showing out. Some folks are even talking about his chances to win the third starting spot next to D.J. Jones and Zach Allen. 

    The preseason games will be vital for Harris, and he can't fade away. During the 2022 preseason, Harris played the second most snaps but was one of the worst defenders on the field and lost himself a spot on the roster. There can't be a repeat performance this year. 

    Matt Henningsen | DL

    Matt Henningsen

    Henningsen has a shot to end up as the starter, but he hasn't been garnering a lot of buzz so far in camp. However, he's falling behind in the race as Harris leaps closer to winning the job. 

    If Henningsen can't turn it around and stand out in the preseason games, he will be limited as a depth player. The positive side is that as a rookie, he was great in preseason action and found his way onto the roster with a solid role.

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    Jonathon Cooper | OLB

    Denver Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper.

    Bonitto is getting a lot of praise, but Cooper has had a tremendous camp right alongside him. Bonitto and Cooper are fighting for the third pass rusher job and could relegate Browning to a limited role when he returns from injury. 

    Cooper has much going for him and has shown good reliability on the field during the regular season. If he can come out with a great preseason, that could be enough to overtake Bonitto on the depth chart. 

    Mike Purcell | DL

    Mike Purcell

    Another player who isn't practicing with an injury, Purcell is older, and the Broncos can save money if they were to part ways with him. With Purcell not practicing and Tyler Lancaster and P.J. Mustipher having good camp showings thus far, Purcell is at risk of being a veteran cut. 

    If Lancaster and Mustipher have a good preseason debut, it'll make it even harder for Purcell to overcome his situation. 

    Marvin Mims, Jr. | WR

    Denver Broncos rookie wideout Marvin Mims, Jr.

    With the injury to Tim Patrick, the third wide receiver spot is up for grabs. Mims may seem the favorite for it, being Sean Payton's top draft pick this year, but others are getting the first crack at it. 

    Mims can make a dent in the situation with a good preseason, but he can also cement himself as the returner. The battle for the returner job has been underwhelming, showcasing many prospective issues, which means Mims has the chance to make some headway. 

    Lloyd Cushenberry III | C

    Lloyd Cushenberry and Russell Wilson Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

    There hasn't been much buzz about Cushenberry, and the word has been the Broncos' whole first-team offensive line has struggled so far in camp. His issues as a run blocker could open the door for someone else to take over the starting job, especially with this offense expected to be run-heavy. 

    Cushenberry has to prove he can not only hold his own but also open running lanes inside if he wants to secure the starting job. 

    Tyler Badie | RB

    Denver Broncos running back Tyler Badie (36) runs for a touchdown on a reception in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High.

    Badie has been the third running back so far in camp. When Javonte Williams is held out of practice, Badie is splitting the first-team reps with Samaje Perine. 

    Badie has done well in all phases and has the speed and quickness to be a home-run threat with the ball in his hands. There have been plenty of positives, and he will likely get a lot of touches over the preseason to secure his spot. 

    Jaleel McLaughlin | RB

    Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) and running back Jaleel McLaughlin (38) during drills at the Centura Health Training Center.

    McLaughlin is the fan favorite, but he seems to be at the bottom of the depth chart. His speed and quickness have been displayed, but he isn't trusted in pass protection and has been easy to bring down. 

    McLaughlin is a smaller running back (5-foot-8/197 lbs), and even in college, he had issues holding up physically. If he can hold up more physically in the preseason games, he can help himself, but if he can't, that may keep him from the roster. 

    Ja'Quan McMillian | CB

    Denver Bronco cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian (35) during rookie mini camp drills at UCHealth Training Center.

    McMillian has had a good training camp and has even caught the eyes of Patrick Surtain II. Surtain commented on how McMillian will eventually be a starter in the NFL, even if it isn't in Denver. 

    McMillian had an issue in a recent practice with a defensive pass interference call, which can't happen. He showed up as a rookie in the preseason last year, and now he has a chance to show his growth. 

    Essang Bassey | CB

    Denver Broncos cornerback Essang Bassey (34) during training camp at the UCHealth Training Center.

    It hasn't been a great camp for Bassey, though he is favored to win the backup nickel job. His play during the regular season has made it clear that he has issues in coverage and how opponents can exploit him in coverage. 

    If Bassey wants to stick in the race for the backup job, he has to turn things around in practice, and it must carry over to the games. 

    The Broncos will take on the Cardinals on Friday, August 11, at 8 pm MDT. 

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