Broncos update their 53-man roster for opening week

The Denver Broncos cut 36 players on Friday and Saturday, trimming their roster down to the 52 guys. By no means, however, did this represent the 'final' roster.

The Broncos have since added seven players, while waiving three. The team is also expected to place Drew Lock, Jake Butt and Theo Riddick on injured reserve, so they are not factored in the roster math below.

For now, though. Let's take a quick look at the 52 players who currently comprise the roster, assuming both Corey Nelson and Davontae Harris are signed on Monday as expected. There is one roster spot still left open.

Quarterback (2)

Made it: Joe Flacco, Brandon Allen

Analysis: The Broncos parted ways with both Kevin Hogan and Brett Rypien, although Rypien will be re-signed to the practice squad if he passes through waivers. On Saturday, John Elway said that Drew Lock is headed for short-term IR. The team claimed Allen off waivers on Sunday.

Running back (4)

Made it: Phillip Lindsay, Royce Freeman, Devontae Booker, Theo Riddick

Analysis: This one's pretty straight up. On Saturday, Elway said that Riddick will go on IR.

Fullback (1)

Made it: Andy Janovich

Analysis: The Broncos were never going to carry two fullbacks. I've been told he's progressing faster than the team expected from his pectoral injury. Elway said maybe '2, 3 weeks' for Janovich.

Tight end (4)

Made it: Jeff Heuerman, Noah Fant, Troy Fumagalli, Andrew Beck

Analysis: Elway confirmed Butt will go on injured reserve. With Orson Charles released, the Broncos claimed Beck off waivers from New England.

Wide receiver (6)

Made it: Emmanuel Sanders, Courtland Sutton, DaeSean Hamilton, Tim Patrick, Juwann Winfree, Diontae Spencer

Analysis: River Cracraft made the roster by the skin of his teeth but was waived the next day. The Broncos added Spencer off waivers on Sunday to serve as WR6 and punt returner. Great to see Winfree make the roster out of camp.

Offensive line (8)

Made it: Garett Bolles, Dalton Risner, Connor McGovern, Ron Leary, Ja'Wuan James, Elijah Wilkinson, Austin Schlottman, Corey Levin

Analysis: This was definitely a position the Broncos looked to add depth to out of the gates, waiving Jake Rodgers after being awarded Levin off waivers. Wilkinson can be the swing tackle, and Schlottmann can be the interior backup. But the Broncos could use more experience at tackle.

Defensive line (6)

Made it: Derek Wolfe, Shelby Harris, Adam Gotsis, DeMarcus Walker, Dre'Mont Jones, Mike Purcell

Analysis: DeShawn Williams almost made it but the Broncos are giving Walker one last swing at the plate to prove he belongs. The benefit of the doubt almost always goes to the man with the highest draft pedigree.

Outside linebacker (4)

Made it: Von Miller, Bradley Chubb, Malik Reed, Justin Hollins

Analysis: This one is pretty cut-and-dry after the Broncos cut Dekoda Watson earlier in the week. Another undrafted rookie in Reed makes the Broncos' roster out of camp.

Inside linebacker (6)

Made it: Todd Davis, Josey Jewell, Joe Jones, Alexander Johnson, Corey Nelson (yet to sign), Keishawn Bierria

Analysis: This is a position possibly in flux, as we don't know what the near future holds for Jones, who's missed the last few weeks with an injury. The Broncos have upgraded the unit by adding Nelson, while waiving Josh Watson, who initially made the roster. After waiving him on Saturday, the team re-signed Bierria to the active roster the next day

Cornerback (6)

Made it: Chris Harris, Jr., Bryce Callahan, Isaac Yiadom, De'Vante Bausby, Duke Dawson, Davontae Harris (yet to sign)

Analysis: The Broncos acquired Dawson via trade on Friday and are set at cornerback with Harris coming to town to sign.

Safety (4)

Made it: Justin Simmons, Kareem Jackson, Will Parks, Trey Marshall

Analysis: It's great to see Marshall make the roster out of camp but he can't get too comfortable. Dymonte Thomas probably would have made it had he not suffered a knee injury in the final week of the preseason.

Special teams (3)

Made it: Brandon McManus, Colby Wadman, Casey Kreiter

Analysis: The Broncos are standing behind the punter, Wadman.

Follow Chad on Twitter @ChadNJensen and @MileHighHuddle.

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